Six unidentified bonnet/masks-wearing persons with firearms burned a yellow payloader Changlin Cinomas and a gray Hyundai 10-wheeler dump truck in a quarry site at Brgy. San Pedro, Alegria, Surigao del Norte, morning of April 20, 2022.
30IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Ryan Charles Callanta said that the 2 heavy equipment units were reportedly owned by SB Member and candidate for Mayor Reuel O. Jalasan.
Responding Alegria police personnel led by PEMS Robert Tila and army personnel led by PFC Dionesio Tindogan Calbo were fired upon by armed groups believed to be communist terrorist group. The government troops returned fire which lasted for 10 minutes and the enemy withdrew towards mountainous area of Magja, Brgy. San Pedro, Alegria.
The firefight resulted to a civilian casualty believed to be caught in a cross fire. Alegria PNP identified the victim as Ernesto Andojar, 44 years old helper and a resident of Purok 16, Brgy. Baan, Butuan City. Damage of burned equipment was estimated to 4 million pesos.
The quarry site location is 2 kilometers away from Alegria Municipal Police Station.
Ka Leo de Guerra, CPP/NPA/NDF Spokesman for Guerilla Front 16 claimed that they are responsible for the burning incident of the 2 heavy equipment units owned by mayoral candidate Reuel Jalasan and wife vice mayoral candidate Josie Jalasan. (Mark James Lisondra)
