Last 3 February, President Rodrigo Duterte announced the end of the unilateral ceasefire between the government and the New People’s Army.
Discontinuing the ceasefire, which puts peace negotiations in peril, was a result of preemptive attacks by Communist forces against military and industrial installations. This is part of a series of articles charting these incidents leading up to and surrounding the resumption of hostilities.
Sultan Kudarat, Philippines – Two Infantry men of the Armed Forces of the Philippines were abducted last February 2, 2017 at around 7:45 in the morning. The suspects are believed to be rebels from the New People’s Army (NPA).
The 15 armed men kidnapped the infantry personnel at Purok 7, Brgy Telafas, Columbio, Sultan Kudarat Province. The commander of the Columbio Municipal Police Station identified the victims as Sergeant Solaiman Calocop and Private First Class Samuel Garay both of whom are memebrs of the 39th Infantry Battalion, Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The battalion is based in Makilala town, Cotabato Province.
The report shows that Sergeant Calocop and Pvt. Garay were both wearing civilian clothing and were heading out from their detachment in Sitio Lamais via motorcycle.
While on the road their transport was blocked and they were forcibly taken by the suspects believed to be NPA rebels.
Other incidents include:
NPA Attacks on the Day Termination of Ceasefire is Announced
Bukidnon truck burned by the NPA
NPA Burns Down Heavy Equipment in Bukidnon
Three Soldiers killed; Ambushed by NPA
