AFP, CAFGU troops in Agusan del Sur defect to the NPA
NDF-Mindanao spokesperson Jorge "Ka Oris" Madlos confirmed the defection to the NPA of two Philippine Army soldiers along with two CAFGU platoons under their command in Agusan del Sur on August 7. Before contacting the NPA, they confiscated weapons from three detachments in Barangays Binakalan and Mahayahay in San Luis town.
Cpl. Edward Querante and PFC Boboy Abdulhasad, both from the 29th IB "C" Company, along with seven CAFGU elements were assisted by the people's militia to safely enter NPA territory. They brought with them an M203, two M16s, two M14s and four garands. The others who were unable to contact the NPA were captured by the military.
According to Ka Oris, the soldiers and the CAFGU elements deserted because they could no longer stomach the threats and abuses of their officials, the delay or non-issuance of their food supplies and military equipment, salaries and allowances, and the abuse of women.
It will be recalled that in July, a squad of MNLF integrees and a group of CAFGU elements from the same company also deserted their units because of similar grievances.
Ka Oris called on all sincere and patriotic soldiers and officers of the AFP, PNP and CAFGU to unite with the people and expose the rottenness of the AFP. He added that they may also cooperate secretly with the masses or with NPA units or eventually join the people's army.
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