“Panaad 2013” station of the cross devotees in
Butuan harassed by NPAs
By 1Lt Joe Patrick A Martinez
BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 29 -- The New People’s Army
(NPA) believed to be members of Guerilla Front 21C of North Eastern Mindanao
Committee (NEMRC) harassed the devotees during the conduct of station of the
cross “Panaad 2013” at Barangay Anticala, this city at
5 am today.
Thousands of people, including police and
military personnel joining the station of the cross where harassed by the NPAs
in Purok Iyaw of said area.
Unfortunately, one Citizens Armed Forces
Geographical Unit (CAFGU) (name is withheld prior notification of next kin)
died while protecting the civilians from the NPA’s attack.
“These NPAs disrespected the solemnity of the
station of the cross. They don’t know when to stop fighting” said Rev. Fr.
Joesilo Amalla, Parish Priest of St. Joseph Cathedral, Butuan City who presided
the said station of the cross.
“Why do they attack us? They should submit
themselves to our God and repent for their sins… I will pray for the soul of
our soldier who died while protecting us,” Fr. Amalla added.
Meanwhile, Lt Col Potenciano C Camba GSC (CAV)
PA, Commanding Officer, 3rd Special Forces Battalion, Philippine Army sent
troops for reinforcement. (402nd Brigade Phil. Army/PIA-Caraga)