ILOILO City – The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) deployed more soldiers as another gun battle against the New People’s Army rebels erupted in Barangay Manaripay, Calinog, Iloilo on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 10.
Troops from the 12th Infantry Battalion (12IB) augmented following the two-day encounter in Sitio Tagbakan 1, Barangay Jayubo, Lambunao town that left one rebel dead.
Lieutenant Colonel J-Jay Javines, 3ID spokesperson, said a firefight ensued between the government troops and around 10 alleged rebels from the Central Front, Komiteng Rehiyon (KR) Panay at around 5 p.m.
Javines said the rebels later retreated and bloodstains were seen on their escape route.
“We believed na may wounded sa grupo nila kasi may mga dugo sa area. Meaning from the town of Lambunao dinala nila sa Calinog to help treat their wounded comrades… Pero nagka-encounter ulit,” he added.
Meanwhile, authorities identified the rebel killed in Lambunao clash as Bombie Dalumpines, 35, and a resident of the said town.
His remains were recovered on Sunday. He sustained a gunshot wound on his chest.
Major General Marion Sison, 3ID commander, said their offensive operations would continue and no let up until the rebels surrender.
“Kung ayaw nila mag-surrender, our operation will continue, but still we have to give them the chance to surrender para walang buhay na masasayang. We don’t want to kill so I again appeal to them to go down and avail themselves of the government’s program,” Sison said./PN
