Brawner lauds bravery of slain CAFGUs, condemns use of banned APMs

GENERAL Romeo Brawner Jr, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, lauded the selfless commitment of the five CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA) when he visited their wake on September 8 in Tagkawayan, Quezon.

The five were killed by communist terrorists using banned anti-personnel mines on September 1 in the boundaries of Tagkawayan and Labo in Camarines Norte. Another soldier and two other CAAs were wounded in the incident.

“In the solemn wake of five courageous CAFGU members who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, the CSAFP witnessed in awe their heroism and gallantry. These valiant personnel displayed unwavering dedication to safeguarding our nation, facing danger with unyielding resolve,” Public Affairs Office Chief LtCol Enrico Gil Ileto said. 

CAA Ceasar Sales, CAA Jeffrey San Antonio, CAA Jomarie Guno, CAA John Ven Perez, and CAA Aldon James Rafa were laid to rest on September 8 in the newly inaugurated Himlayan ng mga Bayani at the Public Cemetery of Tagkawayan.

Before the ceremony, government employees and community members held a peace rally to demonstrate solidarity of the Tagkawayan populace and called for peace and justice for the fallen CAA heroes. 

“Their selfless commitment to defending our homeland serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit that resides within our armed forces. Their sacrifice will forever be etched in the annals of our military history, a reminder of the profound courage exhibited by those who wear our nation’s uniform,” LtCol Ileto added.

“The CSAFP also condemned the use of banned APMs by the communist terrorists. Their attack on government troops and use of banned APMs proved once again their apt designation as a terrorist organization with their wanton disregard and continued violation of the International Humanitarian Law’s ban on the manufacture, transport, stockpile and use of anti-personnel mine,” LtCol Ileto concluded.

Meanwhile, six communist terrorists were killed and seven high powered firearms were captured in successive encounters between the Army’s 47th Infantry Battalion and remnants of the defunct Bohol Party Committee at Brgy. Campagao, Bilar, Bohol, on September 07.

The accomplishment further erodes the capability of the communist terrorists to conduct atrocities in the province and brings the AFP closer towards a complete victory in the whole Visayas region.