Soldiers of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division in Negros and Panay have been placed on defensive posture, after the ambush of government troopers Monday in Miag-ao town, Iloilo, that claimed the life of PFC Ricky Gardose, while a unilateral ceasefire is being observed by the government.

Maj. Gen. Jose Mabanta, 3ID commanding general, said that while he was saddened by the death of Gardose, a member of the 82nd Infantry Battalion, they will continue to strictly observe the suspension of military offensives against the New People’s Army.

Mabanta said the Army’s commitment to peace will always be present, especially during this Christmas season.

“While we are suspending all deliberate offensive military operations, we will continue our presence in communities to protect civilian communities, government and civilian infrastructure to maintain peace and security,” he added.

Gardose and other members of the 82nd Infantry Battalion Bayanihan Teams were responding to a report that rebels were planning to attack a military outpost in Sitio Anoy, Brgy. Cabalaunan, Miag-ao, when they were fired at by rebels, military records show.

The 18-day government ceasefire started Dec. 16 and will end Jan. 2 next year. The Communist Party of the Philippines, meanwhile, is marking its 44th founding anniversary on Dec. 26.

Two days before the yuletide truce took effect, two Army soldiers died, while four others were injured in a clash with communist rebels in Brgy. San Agustin, Isabela, Negros Occidental.* GPB

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