PRETENDING to be personnel of the Army's Special Forces, New People's Army (NPA) members abducted a soldier in Monkayo, Compostela Valley Monday.

The rebels proceeded to ransack the armory of a military detachment nearby using the abducted soldier as human shield.

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Major General Reynaldo Mapagu of the Army's 10th Infantry Division said about 20 NPA rebels first abducted Corporal Dominador Alegre around 6:30 p.m. of November 2 in Barangay Casoon.

"The terrorists who pretended to be SF troopers also took advantage of the All Souls’ Day when Cafgu (Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit) members are about to go out of the detachment unarmed to offer prayers to their departed relatives," Mapagu said.

Using the soldier as human shield, the rebels proceeded to a detachment of the Army's 72nd Infantry Battalion. The soldiers in the detachment did not fire at the rebels, fearing that they would hit abducted soldier.

"Hindi sila nagresist kasi nga nahostage yung bata pero actually may order kami na pag may ganung situation lalaban sila, ang problema kasi nagpanggap silang (rebels) sundalo, hindi lumaban itong tropa, they were deceived, pero ganun talaga ang labanan e," Mapagu added.

The rebels then ransacked the armory of the military patrol base and carted away 18 firearms.

"The terrorists carted away two M-16 rifles, one M-14, five Carbine, 10 Garand rifles and one Icom radio. Corporal Alegre is still missing up to this time. This is a proof of the NPA's evil and deceptive methods. They will do their worst to destroy our communities and oppress our countrymen," Mapagu said.

"This incident strengthens our soldiers' resolve to do their best to protect our communities and serve our people. Our soldiers will continue guarding peace and development projects which is the primary aim of the AFP to bring much needed infrastructure and services to our people. The incident will not hamper our soldiers? Effort to protect our communities and genuinely protect our people from any threat to national development," the general added.

Mapagu said Corporal Alegre, who is the detachment commander, will be facing court martial proceedings to explain as to why the rebels were able to catch them flatfooted. The Army's concern now is, however, on rescuing Alegre first before having him face court martial proceedings.

In an emailed statement, the 4th Pulang Bagani Company of the NPA in Southern Mindanao said the Monkayo incident is "another telling blow to the Oplan Bantay Laya II campaign of the 10th Infantry Division."

"Red fighters completely neutralized and swiftly disarmed the enemy forces assigned in the AFP detachment. Eighteen high-powered rifles were seized without a single shot being fired since the surprised enemy personnel had lost the initiative and the will to fight," rebel spokesman Ka Nadem said.

The rebel group said Alegre "was taken for investigation" with a promise that they would issue a statement concerning Corporal Alegre soon. (BOT/With reports from Peng Aliño)