A Self-Criticism on The Paquibato Incident

The Merardo Arce Command-Southern Mindanao Regional Operations Command of the New People’s Army (MAC- SMROC-NPA) takes full responsibility for the grenade throwing to an AFP detachment in Brgy. Fatima, Paquibato District, Davao City, September 1 at 8:30 PM. The NPA issues this self-criticism to apologize to the public and the families for the scores of casualties, including children. The NPA will take concrete measures to indemnify the victims consistent with the principles of revolutionary justice and the policies governing the New People’s Army and the revolutionary movement.

The NPA’s 1st Pulang Bagani Company made a wrong decision in initiating a tactical offensive against the AFP detachment located in a civilian population. The NPA’s 1st PBC aimed in trageting a legitimate target to emasculate the enemy and wipe out its structure that has placed the lives and properties of the people in danger. But it erred in considering the circumstances, combat intelligence and all pertinent operational information in instigating the NPA action. In the face of this gross mistake in judgement, the MAC-SMROC-NPA is currently initiating an internal investigation and is ready to take appropriate courses of action, to include among others, disciplinary action on the responsible unit.

The NPA stands firm for justice and truth and is prepared to rectify mistakes. By issuing this unflinching public apology and self-criticism, the NPA abides with the principled standpoint,viewpoint and method adopted by the NPA and the revolutionary movement.