Communist leader apologises for accidental killing of top official

Manila: A communist leader has apologised for the accidental killing of a local government leader and an Army soldier in southern Luzon last Friday.

But he also warned that the New People's Army (NPA) would intensify attacks on government targets this year.

"The death of Board Member Warlito Trinidad [from northern suburban Bulacan] was unfortunate. We wish to extend our deepest condolence to his family," said Gregorio Rosal, spokesman of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

Three others, two of whom were civilians, were injured following a clash between Trinidad's security detail and the attacking members of NPA in Alakaak, Sta Cruz town in Mindoro, 130km south of Manila, the police said in a report.

Trinidad was visiting an iron ore exploration site in Alakaak when NPA rebels mistakenly strafed his vehicle, said Vice-Governor Aurelio Plamenco of Bulacan.

Civilian safety

The NPA command in Mindoro has conducted an investigation into the tragic mistaken identity, which resulted in the death of Trinidad, who was not a target, said Rosal, adding that the result of the investigation will be released for accountability. "The safety of civilians has always been paramount in our combat engagement," Rosal explained.

Meanwhile, the police and the military raised an alert level nationwide, in preparation for the NPA's celebration of its 37th founding year today. "We have placed police units nationwide on red alert.

"This is to prevent any atrocities that the NPA might carry out during their anniversary," said Deputy Director General Avelino Razon Jr, National Police deputy chief for operations. "Commanders were also given the discretion to raise or lower the alert level," said Armed Forces spokesman Col Tristan Kison.

However, Rosal said the NPA was not ordered to stage a major offensive today, adding, "The military is just engaging in a psy-war activity when they predicted that we will stage attacks on our anniversary."

Warlito Trinidad was visiting an iron ore exploration site in Alakaak when NPA rebels mistakenly strafed his vehicle.