BY RUBY P. SILUBRICO
ILOILO City – Troops of the Philippine Army’s 82nd Infantry Battalion (82IB) and the New People’s Army (NPA) engaged in a gun battle for the second time this month in Janiuay, Iloilo.
The encounter took place around 2:50 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 21, in Sitio Matagsim, Barangay Aglobong.
Lieutenant Colonel J-Jay Javines, spokesperson of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID), said the government troops were conducting offensive operations when they encountered suspected members of the NPA’s Baloy Platoon, Central Front, Komiteng Rehiyon (KR) Panay led by Rolando “Kaduy” Diaz.
The rebels fled to avoid being trapped in the area after a 15-minute exchange of gunfire, said Javines.
“So far no casualties were reported on the government side during the incident while we are still verifying if there were injured or casualties on the rebels’ side,” he added.
Following the encounter, soldiers of the 82IB recovered valuable items including a caliber .45 pistol, two magazines and 29 live ammunition of caliber .45, around three kilos of rice, medical kit with assorted medicines, cellular phone, jungle pack, hammock, and poncho tents, among others, at the scene.
“Maybe they went down to look for food based on the recovered things in the area. They are really suffering hunger,” Javines said.
The first encounter took place on Nov. 12 in Sitio Bacan, Barangay Barasalon.
Brigadier General Michael Samson, commander of the Army’s 301st Infantry Brigade, expressed gratitude to the vigilant citizens of Barangay Aglobong for providing crucial information about the rebels’ presence.
Samson said the residents, who have long endured fear due to the insurgents, played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the military operation.
He again urged the terrorists to reconsider their path: “I am reiterating our call for peace; abandon the senseless armed struggle that has victimized innocent civilians.”
“Umuwi na kayo sa mga mahal niyo sa buhay at mamuhay ng mapayapa kasama ang inyong mga pamilya. Ang gobyerno ay narito upang tulungan kayo. We will ensure your safety and we will guide you towards a peaceful life. The government is really committed to assisting those who choose to disengage from armed conflicts and encouraging a return to a peaceful coexistence,” Samson added./PN
