Gamu, Isabela – Troops of the 24th Infantry Battalion who were gearing up for Disaster Response Operation (DRO) were ambushed by the Communist Terrorist Group on October 27, 2022 at Brgy Gacab, Malibcong, Abra.
According to LtC Ricardo Garcia III, Battalion Commander of 24IB, soldiers were recalled to augment the DRO after the recent 6.4 magnitude earthquake that hit the province of Abra on October 25, 2022. “It is very unfortunate that while we are helping the residents devastated by the earthquake, two of our troops were killed and one is wounded because of the atrocities of the CTGs while the other one was still missing.”
“We condemn in the strongest terms possible, the barbaric act of the CTG. We assure our people particularly the families of our soldiers that we will pursue the perpetrators and bring them to justice,” Lt. Col. Garcia added. Thus, the identity of the said troops is yet to be disclosed.
BGen Audrey L Pasia, Commander of the 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army warned the CTG members that the army troops will not stop until justice is served to their victims. “This gruesome ambush against our soldiers in disaster response mode is another proof of their cruelty and inhumanity to our countrymen. Naghihirap na nga ang kababayan natin sa trahedya, itong mga nais na tumulong at magresponde na sundalo natin sana ay walang awang pinaslang nila.”
“We offer our condolences to the bereaved families of our troops. I assure you that the sacrifices of our troops will not be put in vain and will serve justice!”
The Commander also added that “we assure our people in Abra and other areas affected by the earthquake that the Disaster Response Operations of your soldiers will continue despite the dastardly act of the CTG.”. (VICTOR RUIZ BALDEMOR)
