Posted on 01/31/2002 6:40:36 PM PST by LADYAK
Two Army platoons recovered yesterday afternoon the body of Bryan Smith, an American national shot dead by suspected rebels in Pampanga while trekking towards Mt. Pinatubo.
President Arroyo immediately ordered Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes to investigate the incident and her spokesman warned communist rebels the attack could bring down the wrath of the US military.
In a teleconference with Malacañang reporters, Presidential Spokesman Rigoberto Tiglao said Mrs. Arroyo was saddened to learn of the killing, which coincided with her trip abroad to attract foreign investors.
Tiglao warned communist rebels attacking would only strengthen the US perception that the NPA is a terrorist group.
The US has placed Asia’s oldest leftist guerrilla army in its terror blacklist, apparently on the request of the Arroyo administration.
Army spokesman, Lt. Col. Jose Mabanta, said Smith’s companion, German national Sigfried Whitman, sustained a bullet wound in his right leg. He was rescued around 1:30 p.m., a few meters from the ambush site in Sapang Uwak, Porac, Pampanga, and brought to Angeles University Foundation Hospital.
Mabanta said the two men left Angeles City, where Whitman resides, 11:30 a.m. Wednesday. They were approaching Sapang Uwak on Whitman’s motorcycle when ambushed by suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA).
“Up to now, we are still trying to verify who the perpetrators are but initial assessment points to the NPA,” the Army spokesman said.
Last year, US serviceman Scot Washburn was also intercepted by the NPA in the same area. Last June, a group of American Navy personnel taking part in joint military exercises was fired on by gunmen on the slopes of Mount Pinatubo. The gunmen were believed to be communists.
If the NPA continues its attacks, Tiglao warned that the government would not try to block any US operation against the leftist rebels, despite ongoing peace efforts.
“If it is true that it is the doing of the NPA, that is a very bad signal,” he said. “But we hope it’s not them because that would mean a very, very bad statement on their part that they prey on unarmed Americans.”
Concerns about the safety of foreigners, particularly Americans, have grown since preparations for the RP-US Balikatan military exercises in Mindanao.
Manila insists the American troops are in the country only for a limited period and that they will not engage in combat. The US troops, officials note, will be deployed at the rear of Filipino-led patrols to minimize the risk of them encountering the Abu Sayyaf.
Critics, however, insist the Americans are preparing for an expanded presence in the country.
Usually means the person carries a US passport. Usually a citizen, but could also apply to a legal resident alien.
Just hang around here for a day or two to discover how much news is not covered at all.
Watch out for Fred. He hits on all the new gurlz (-;
Bump!
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