We strongly condemn the latest incident involving the New People’s Army (NPA) with the members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) in Arakan, Cotabato, which resulted in the injury of four (4) PSG personnel.

A group of more or less 50 armed men identified as members of the NPA disguising as soldiers of Task Force Davao was conducting a checkpoint when the PSG, who at that time was doing normal administrative movement for coordination, noticed something unusual which led to the encounter.

The injured PSG personnel are now receiving treatment in the nearest hospital and we have been extending all necessary assistance to the wounded.

On whether this would have any effect on the peace talks, let us wait for the President’s advice and directive on the matter.