The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday condemned the approach and presence of communist terrorist groups near a school in Barangay Cawayan.

The incident, which occurred last Monday, March 20, resulted in a encounter between state troops and communist rebels which scared school goers.

According to SOLCOM’s public information office the state troops proceeded to the said area after being given information of the presence of an armed group.

Upon approaching, the rebels then open fired at the soldiers resulting to the injury of two personnel.

According to the military, the “ensuing incidents were heard by the students and school personnel.”

“We regret that the students and school personnel experienced the horror of being almost near the encounter between the Communist Terrorists Group and our soldiers,” they said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Education said that the rebel activities in Masbate have surged to “alarming rate.”

“These acts of terrorism perpetrated by the New People’s Army (NPA) have caused trauma to learners and school personnel, who witnessed the senseless violence,” they said.

But DepEd insisted that there will be “no blanket suspension of classes,” as their regional office in Bicol and school division office in Masbate have been tasked to ensure learning continuity.

Further, it noted that the peace and order situation, as well as the mental health of learners and school personnel, should be given consideration.

Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte on the other hand is expected to visit the affected areas in Masbate.

She is also conducting talks with the Army Division Commander.

“DepEd remains defiant against these fear-mongering tactics of terrorists as the agency commits to deliver basic education to all, even in disadvantaged areas,” the statement added.

Catherine R. Cueto