The New People’s Army (NPA) takes full responsibility and expresses remorse for the unfortunate and unnecessary death of an infant and injury to two adult civilians arising from the ambush by an NPA unit in Barangay Tikalaan, Talakag, Bukidnon last November 9.

We hope that the aggrieved families and friends could find it in their hearts, however difficult, to accept our profound apologies. The local NPA unit is already exerting efforts to make amends including extending necessary indemnification.

There is no justification for the aggravation suffered by the civilians in the Talakag incident. In waging armed revolution, all units of the NPA abide by the policy of giving the highest regard to the rights of civilians and should take pains to ensure that civilians are protected from harm.

The higher NPA command has already initiated an investigation in order to identify the weaknesses and mistakes and draw lessons to avoid a repeat of such an unfortunate incident.