2 suspected NPA rebels killed in Samar after firefight with gov’t troops
Credit to Author: clopez| Date: Tue, 29 Jan 2019 12:19:29 +0000
ORMOC CITY — Two suspected members of the New People’s Army were killed and three firearms were recovered after a 20-minute firefight at Brgy. Carolina, Matuguinao, Samar on Tuesday.
803rd Brigade Commander BGen. Ramil BItong in a statement said that troopers from the 63rd IB lead by Cpl. Cesista (Inf) PA were conducting combat operation in the area and encountered at least 10 fully armed suspected New People’s Army rebels who were reportedly conducting extortion activities to residents in the area.
The 20-minute encounter resulted to the recovery of 3 high powered firearms composed of one M16 rifle, one kg 9mm, and one shotgun. The encounter also resulted in the death of two rebels whose identities are yet known.
The 63IB has immediately coordinated with the Local Government Unit of Matuguinao to identify the two NPA rebels killed during the encounter. No one was reported injured on the government side.
As of this report, a pursuit operation is underway to hunt down other NPA who escaped.
BGen. Bitong said that this unfortunate incident could have been avoided only if the NPA listened to the call of the government to stop their criminal activities and avail the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
“We cannot let these bandits get away with the atrocities they committed against helpless civilians. I’ve said many times that we will not rest until these bandits are banished or killed.” BGen Bitong added.
The 803rd Brigade also expressed willingness to provide medical assistance to NPA members who were wounded in the series of encounters in Northern Samar and 1st District of Samar. /je