The Philippine Army condemns in strongest term the Zamboanga bus attack that resulted to the death of three persons, including an Army officer and his wife, and the wounding of another.
Reports reaching the Philippine Army headquarters from field unit disclosed that a Rural Bus transit bound for Zamboanga City from Pagadian City was deliberately burned by four unidentified men believed to be members of lawless elements operating in Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay province at about 8:30 p.m. on April 5.
Initial investigation revealed that the suspects boarded the bus and posed as passengers, and later on shot bus marshall CAA Lito dela Cruz killing him instantly. The suspects also shot Maj Julistidi U Arasid of the Army’s 18th Infantry Battalion and his wife, who were seated at the rear of the bus, killing them both. His son, on the other hand, managed to escape. Another bus marshal identified as CAA Federico A Luchavez was critically wounded. The suspects also carted away two M14 rifles belonging to the CAA bus marshals, and burned the bus leaving behind the remains of the three casualties.
The Army leadership condemns this atrocious act as it vows to help the Philippine National Police run after those responsible for the attack. The Philippine Army, along with other security agencies like the PNP, will not hesitate to apply the rule of law to those who would continue to commit atrocities especially to innocent civilians and non-combatants.
The Philippine Army also condoles with the family of the killed Army officer. Meanwhile, the troops in the field are more than ready to prevent further hostility from happening.
Philippine Army
