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In a press statement, rebel spokesman Rigoberto Sanchez said the raid was timed simultaneous with the turnover of command for the new leadership of the Armed Forces, to show the AFP’s ineptness in the region.
The rebels also abducted former Army Sergeant Jose Manero, who heads as the plantation’s security force and provide close-in security for banana magnate Rafael Lorenzo, during the raid.
A week ago, the rebels ambushed a military truck in Barangay Ilustre, President Roxas in North Cotabato, killing three soldier of the 39th Infantry Battalion and wounding 21 others.
Sanchez claimed that they already have carted 36 firearms from at least 62 tactical offensives launched against the military since April in Compostela Valley, Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte, Davao City and North Cotabato.