NPA-ABRA STRICTLY IMPLEMENTED UNILATERAL CEASEFIRE
Sgt. Valencia killed in a drinking spreeDiego Wadagan
Spokesperson
Agustin Begnalen Command
October 20, 2009
All units under the NPA's Agustin Begnalen Command in Abra Province strictly implemented the unilateral ceasefire ordered by the Chadli Molintas Command (NPA-Ilocos-Cordillera) in the typhoon-ravaged region, from October 14 – October 21, 2009. The unilateral ceasefire was ordered so as to give priority to relief and rehabilitation efforts especially in areas highly affected by typhoon Pepeng.
The NPA did not undertake any sniping operation in Baay-Licuan on October 15, 2009, that killed Sgt. Valencia of Alpha Coy, 41st IB, as claimed by the AFP. In fact Sgt. Valencia was in Abubutoc, Barangay Lenneng, Baay-Licuan on October 15 and was transporting supplies back and forth across the Malanas River, when he went on a drinking spree. Among his drinking buddies was a recent rebel-returnee-cum-bodyguard of a local warlord with whom he had a heated argument. The heated exchange of words turned violent when both reached for their guns. Sgt. Valencia, believed to be the Finance Officer of the Alpha Coy, 41st IB, was killed in the scuffle.
The Agustin Begnalen Command denounces the 41st IB's effort to portray the NPA as violator of it's unilateral declaration of ceasefire and cover-up the death of one of it's non-commissioned officers because of a drinking spree. It is also deplorable that rebel-returnees, supposedly under the care of government agencies and responsible government officials are easily converted into bodyguards, guns-for-hire, and paid government propagandists. The family of Sgt. Valencia should know the real circumstances behind the death of their relative.
Unlike the 41st IB, the NPA seriously and sincerely implements it's unilateral declaration of ceasefire, so as to assist the hapless people after typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng. It will be recalled that while the AFP spokesperson Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner and DND Sec. Gilbert Teodoro supposedly declared that the AFP will not pursue NPAs in the region to prioritize rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts, the 41st IB undertook combat operations in Lacub from October 5 à 11, 2009. Earlier, the 41st IB continuously conducted combat and patrol operations in Sallapadan and Baay-Licuan, using typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng as cover in their operations. Instead of being concerned with the welfare of the people during calamities of great magnitude, the 41st IB is indulging in crazed-combat operations and lies about the death of one of it's non-commissioned officers.
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