Armed Confrontation in Davao del Norte
(Indigenous residents vs. New People’s Army [NPA]; linked to existing Armed Forces of the Philippines [AFP] vs NPA conflict)
On March 9, Ata Manobo tribes and residents of Sitio Mangkay, Barangay Gupitan, Kapalong, Davao Del Norte, together with the teachers of the Silingang Dapit sa Southeastern Mindanao (SILDAP-SE) Community learning centre in the village, fled from their community due to presence of alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the area. According to the IDPs, four NPA members arrived in their community around 8:35 in the evening of March 9. The NPA members allegedly intended to assassinate three members of the tribe, but were thwarted when community members were able to disarm the outnumbered rebels. The sources added that gunshots were heard, causing panic among civilians. They believed shots were fired by other members of the armed group hiding near the community.
