Mass desertion in 3 Army-CAFGU detachments

Jorge "Ka Oris" Madlos
Spokesperson
NDF-Mindanao
August 26, 2003

Last August 7, 2003, 2 platoons of CAFGU including their 2 AFP cadres, from the three detachments in Barangays Binakalan ang Mahayahay all in San Luis, Agusan del Sur rebelled against the grave abuses committed to them by their officers, ransacked their armory, and deserted en masse. Many of them sought refuge and protection in NPA territory, bringing along their government-issued firearms. Nine turned over their firearms to the NPA consisting of 1 M203 grenade launcher, 2 M16 rifles, 2 M14 rifles and 5 garand rifles while the rest continue to elude pursuing AFP units. Those who opted to remain outside the NPA territory or were not able to make contact were caught by the enemy forces.

This report reached the NDF office late due to ongoing enemy pursuit operations and communication difficulties in the area.

The CAFGUs led by AFP cadres Cpl. Edward Querante and PFC �Boboy� Abuhasad expressed their grievances to the NPA against the senior officers of the Charlie coy, 29th IB. Among the compelling reasons for their mass desertion are: threat and physical maltreatment, rampant corruption within the Charlie company of the 29th IB such as the delay or non-issuance of their military and food supplies, delay and reduction of their salaries and allowances; and abuse against women.

The local masses, sympathizing with the predicament and knowing the imminent danger on the lives of their relative CAFGU members and army cadres, facilitated their safe entry to the NPA territory.

This is not an isolated incident. Earlier last July, a squad of AFP regular �MNLF integrees� deserted from the same army company of the 29th IB, which was followed later by another group of CAFGU members who have similar complaints.

This complaint of the CAFGU and AFP regulars is typical in varying degrees to most of the CAFGU-AFP detachments in Mindanao. This incident of mass desertion in Agusan del Sur validated what Gen. Jarque and lately by the AFP Magdalo group revealed of the top to bottom rottenness of the AFP hierarchy.

In the light of this reality, we call on all the well-meaning and patriotic soldiers and officers of the AFP-PNP-CAFGU to join the people in exposing and opposing the corrupt and reactionary character of the AFP. You may coordinate your complaints openly or clandestinely with the local masses and NPA units in the area. To those who wish to serve the interest of the people outside the AFP service, the NPA welcome you to their folds.###

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