Incident Summary:

04/01/2006: Suspected New People's Army (NPA) rebels attacked a ranch owned by Milagros municipal mayor, Bernardito Abapo. The rebels, armed with high-caliber firearms, destroyed farm machinery and shot dead some of the cattle reportedly due to the mayor's refusal to pay revolutionary tax. They then abducted Senior Police Officer Dante Alba and injured Police Officer Erwin Ombas.

GTD ID:
200604010024

When:
2006-04-01

Country:
Philippines

Region:
Southeast Asia

Province/administrative
region/u.s. state:

Masbate

City:
Milagros

Attack Information
Type of Attack (more) Armed Assault
Type of Attack (more) Hostage Taking (Kidnapping)
Successful Attack? (more) Yes
Target Information (more)
Target Type: Government (General)
Name of Entity government of Masbate
Specific Description Ranch of Bernardito Abapo
Nationality of Target Philippines
Target Type: Police
Name of Entity Police Force of Masbate
Specific Description Police officers Dante Alba and Erwin Ombas
Nationality of Target Philippines
Additional Information
Hostages Yes
Number of Hostages 1
US Hostages 0
Outcome Unknown
Ransom No
Property Damage Yes
Extent of Property Damage Minor (likely < $1 million)
Value of Property Damage Unknown
Weapon Information
Type Sub-type
Firearms Automatic Weapon
Additional Information
Suicide Attack?No
Part of Multiple Incident?No
Criterion 1 (more) Yes
Criterion 2 (more) Yes
Criterion 3 (more) Yes
Doubt Terrorism Proper (more) No
Additional Information Police Officer 2 Erwin Ombas was currently being treated at the Masbate Doctors Hospital. Combined military and police forces launched hot pursuit operations against the rebels.
Perpetrator Group Information
Group Name Claimed Responsibility
New People's Army (NPA) No
Perpetrator Statistics
Number of Perpetrators 70
Number of Captured Perpetrators Unknown
Casualty Information
Total Number of Casualties 0 Fatalities / 1 Injured
Total Number of Fatalities 0
Number of U.S. Fatalities 0
Number of Perpetrator Fatalities 0
Total Number of Injured 1
Number of U.S. Injured 0
Number of Perpetrators Injured 0
Sources
“Highlights: Philippine Terrorism Issues 10-16 Apr 06,” Philippines -- OSC Report in English, April 10, 2006.