At least five soldiers of the 2nd IB were killed in an encounter with the New People’s Army (NPA)-Masbate (Jose Rapsing Command) on May 23 in Barangay Lague-lague, Cawayan town. The NPA unit was in the area to hold consultations on the community residents’ situation and problems. The Red fighters withdrew safely.

In a statement, Ka Luz del Mar, NPA-Masbate spokesperson, extended the NPA’s condolences to the bereaved families and relatives of the 2nd IB troopers. She said, “they pay for the war where only Marcos Jr, Governor Kho and high AFP-PNP officials benefit.”

Ka Luz believes that many of the AFP soldiers were just deceivingly enticed by high salary. In fact, many of these soldiers fear entering guerrilla zones and hunt for NPA units, he said. He said that ordinary soldiers are forced to use illegal drugs just to be able to perform operations and become mad dogs who hunt down the people’s army and kill civilians.

Because of the crimes against the Masbatenyo masses, “[residents] spurn the AFP-PNP-CAFGU as butchers, murderers and armed mercenaries of the greediest and most power-hungry,” Ka Luz said.

Finally, he urged ordinary soldiers and policemen, many from the ranks of the toiling masses, to desert the rotten institution they serve. “You cannot bear the sacrifice and you are not ready to die for a salary that can be earned in an honorable and civil manner. You must think of your families before it’s too late,” he added.