Agusan del Sur, Philippines – Members of the New People’s Army (NPA) strike terror and violence anew. A group of armed men said to be from the NPA attacked a community in Kitcharao, Agusan del Sur the other day, 15 March 2017, more than 300 residents fled their homes.

The hostile act is considered as a violation of the Comprehensive Agreement with Respect to Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIL) which both the Philippine Government and National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) signed in the past.

29th infantry Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Glenn Aynera reported that while they were in Barangay Hinimbangan conducting support and security operations, an attack at them was made by Guerilla Front 16 of the NPA who were led by a Commander “Otto.”

Initial reports state that the said NPA members forced teachers to cancel classes and proceeded to shoot at residents who in turn fled to the municipal gymnasium. There were no casualties or injured from the AFP, NPA, and community residents.