The Philippine Army confirmed that its troops engaged in a focused military operation against New People’s Army (NPA) members in Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro, over the holidays, resulting in an encounter involving young recruits, including a U.S. citizen.
In an interview on DZRH’s Magandang Umaga Pilipinas, among those present during the encounter were students reportedly recruited by the NPA, including Chantal Anicoche, a U.S. citizen.
Col. Louie Dema-Ala, spokesperson for the Philippine Army, said intelligence reports indicated consolidation of NPA forces in the area, prompting the 2nd Infantry Division to conduct operations to safeguard local communities.
“Wala tayong ceasefire na diniclare kaya tuloy-tuloy yung ating pag-conduct ng internal security operations to ensure yung safety ng ating mga kababayan,” Dema-Ala said.
Col. Dema-Ala said initial reports suggest Anicoche did not carry a firearm and is currently being treated for shock at the 2nd Infantry Division Hospital, where she chose to remain to recuperate. She is considered a person of interest, but no charges have been filed.
“Base doon sa initial na information na received natin na wala siyang dalang baril, although we are considering her as a person of interest dahil ang tanong natin, bakit siya nandoon sa area sa lugar ng encounter?”
According to the army, air assets, including Black Hawk and attack helicopters, were used to support troops engaged in defensive positions during the encounter.
The spokesperson also addressed allegations that army-released videos, including footage of Anicoche, were staged.
“Lumang propaganda na nila ito. Kapag wala na silang maanap na dahat na lang ng kwento gagawin nila para to discredit yung deliberate na focused military operations,” he said.
Col. Dema-Ala warned against recruiting minors for armed groups, urging parents to monitor their children’s affiliations.
“Pagkatapos nalang i-recruit yung ating mga kabataan, pagkatapos gamitin at kapag hindi nalang mapakinabangan, ay pinababayaan nalang, iniiwan doon sa encounter site,” the Colonel said.
“Patuloy ang panawagan natin sa ating mga kabataan, sa ating mga magulang na palaging bantayan yung kanilang mga anak, tingnan yung mga organisasyon na sinasalihan at ganoon din sa ating mga kababayan,” Dema-Ala added.
Dema-Ala further confirmed that the Philippine Army is coordinating with the U.S. Embassy regarding Anicoche and continues to communicate with her family to ensure her safety.
The military said their top priority is the security of the country and its citizens.
