06 Jun 2018 | 07:52 PM UTC
Philippines: Clashes between militants and security forces in Luzon June 4-5
Multiple clashes between Philippine soldiers and New People’s Army militants in Quezon, Isabela, and Mountain provinces on June 4-5; additional attacks possible in the near-term
Event
New People's Army (NPA) militants killed a soldier and wounded two others in Lopez municipality (Quezon province) on Monday, June 4. The ambush reportedly took place in Barangay Silang at 20:30 (local time). Another six soldiers were wounded in clashes with the NPA in Echague municipality (Isabela province) on Monday. Clashes between police and NPA rebels were reported on Tuesday, June 5, in Sagada (Mountain province), leaving one police officer dead and nine others wounded. Additional NPA attacks are possible in the Quezon, Isabela, and Mountain provinces, as well as other areas in Luzon, in the near-term.
Context
The attacks come as the NPA and Philippine government officials are reportedly negotiating a restart of peace talks, more than six months after Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte ended the negotiations.
The NPA is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPA). The NPA - made up of an estimated 3200 fighters as of the end of 2015 - has waged an insurgency in the country for nearly 50 years.
Advice
Individuals in the abovementioned affected areas are advised to monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant for potential militant activity, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
