Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 10) — Two minors were killed after a firefight between government forces and communist rebels in Catubig, Northern Samar on Monday.
The children were reportedly on their way home after gathering copra to be sold in the town proper when the encounter happened in Barangay Roxas.
One of the minors died on the spot, while the other died at the Northern Samar Provincial Hospital in Catarman on Wednesday.
The 20-minute encounter also wounded a 26-year-old civilian, who is currently confined at the Northern Samar Provincial Hospital.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines has yet to issue a statement on the matter, but Col. Perfecto Peñaredondo of the 803rd Brigade pinned the blame on the New People’s Army for initiating the attack. Their gunfire could have killed the children since the kids were walking behind the troops on patrol, while on their way to the town,” he told CNN Philippines.
Peñaredondo said a local unit of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, local officials and police are now investigating the incident. Military personnel involved will also cooperate in the probe.
Local authorities also condemned the incident, and assured parents of the victims assistance.
CNN Philippines’ David Santos and Wil Mark Amazona contributed to this report.
