Suspected NPA rebel killed, 1 wounded in Samar clash

 

TACLOBAN CITY — An alleged member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed while another was arrested during an encounter with government forces in the hinterlands of Basey, Samar on Thursday.

Soldiers from the 63rd Infantry Battalion (IB) proceeded to Sitio Bagti, Barangay Mabini to look into the reported presence of an armed group conducting extortion activities in the area.

The troops eventually figured in an encounter with around 10 suspected rebels.

Lieutenant Colonel Eduardo Meclat, commanding officer of the 63rd IB, said the firefight lasted for about 40 minutes, forcing the suspected rebels to withdraw and leave behind a dead comrade identified as Domeng Pajares alias Bager.

Meclat added that the troops, while conducting clearing and follow-up operations at the clash site, captured a wounded  suspected rebel, who was immediately given proper medical attention.

Recovered from the site were an M-16 Armalite rifle, two grenade launchers, three anti-personnel mines, and other items left behind by the fleeing rebels.

Brigadier General Noel Vestuir, commanding officer of the 802nd IB, commended the troops for their quick response to civilian reports of the suspected rebels’ extortion activities.

“Once again, our troops have displayed their dedication and professionalism in their sworn duty of protecting the people from this group, as well as their compassion towards a fallen NPA combatant. I commend the community for standing up against the terrorist activities of this group,” he said.

Vestuir called on rebels to return to the fold of the law and enjoy the benefits being given to them by the government.

“Do not wait to experience the same fate as your comrade today. The path of peace is ready to embrace you along with your families and loved ones,” he said.