ILOILO – Five New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed this week in two separate encounters in a renewed surge in anti-insurgency operations here by the military.
The latest incident occurred at 10:38 a.m. on Thursday, August 8, in Barangay Aglonok, Calinog, Iloilo as troops were verifying reports of armed individuals in the area, according to Lieutenant Colonel Vicel Jan Garsuta of the Philippine Army’s 12th Infantry Battalion (12IB).
This confrontation followed a previous encounter on Wednesday afternoon (August 7, 3:23 p.m.) in Barangay Cabatangan, Lambunao town, part of ongoing manhunt operations following a clash earlier on August 5.
“After a brief exchange, the rebels withdrew, only to encounter a blocking force from the 82nd Infantry Battalion, resulting in a five-minute firefight,” Garsuta explained.
The operations have yielded significant recoveries including two M16 rifles, a grenade launcher, ammunition, an anti-personnel mine, a hard disk drive, a transistor radio, subversive documents, and various personal items.
“Hindi pa natin makuha names ng mga namatay kasi remote (ang) area. Hindi tayo agad agad maka punta,” Garsuta said.
He however confirmed that one of the rebel fatalities was female.
Meanwhile, based on the latest information from the 12IB on Friday night, the remains of the five rebels have yet to be airlifted from the encounter site due to inclement weather yesterday afternoon, August 9.
Earlier on Monday, August 5, a political officer of the NPA’s Central Front, Komiteng Rehiyon – Panay (CF, KR-P) was killed, and multiple high-powered firearms were seized, adding to the successes of the joint operations involving the 12th, 82nd, and 61st Infantry Battalions.
Major General Marion Sison, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, praised the effectiveness of these operations, which have led to the neutralization of seven insurgents and the capture of nine high-powered firearms and substantial war materials within just a week.
“These decisive combat operations will continue until we dismantle the last remaining guerilla front in Panay,” Sison declared, emphasizing the goal to establish a zone of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) for Panay Island.
He also urged the remaining insurgents to surrender and avail themselves of the government’s Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program, highlighting the opportunity for a peaceful return to civilian life.
“Death will come to you if you continue this senseless armed struggle,” Sison warned, urging the rebels to choose life and integration back into society./PN
