[Mindanao Examiner] Maoist militants launched simultaneous raids in Davao City and captured 5 policemen and 2 government militiamen. New People's Army spokesman Rigoberto Sanchez has declared the policemen as prisoners of war.Sanchez said the policemen were in their patrol vehicle when militants from the 1st Pulang Bagani Command intercepted them. He said, "The POWs will be held in custody pending an investigation for possible war crimes and other crimes against the people and the revolutionary movement."
Their capture came after militants swooped down an army post in Paquibato district on Saturday and clashed with security forces. Two militiamen surrendered following a gun battle that lasted about 30 minutes. Two other militiamen managed to escape.
Sanchez said, "The victorious tactical offensive comes at the heels of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' pompous declaration that (the anti-insurgency campaign) Oplan Bayanihan has weakened the armed resistance of the NPA following the death of beloved Red Commander Leoncio “Ka Parago” Pitao last year.
"As Oplan Bayanihan nears its defeated end, this latest tactical offensive of the People's Army serves as a nail in the coffin to one of the most atrocious operation plans the fascist AFP has ever unleashed against the Filipino people."
He said the 1st Pulang Bagani Battalion and all ten NPA units in the Davao region have become even more inspired to wage armed struggle, agrarian revolution, establish the seeds of a socialist government and "squarely defeat the onslaught of heightened and sustained attacks by enemy troops."