Government troops overrun an NPA hideout in Sitio Burak, Barangay Alimodias, Miagao, Iloilo, on March 24 2019. The 61st Infantry Battalion recovered subversive documents, M16 rifle, ammunitions, anti–personnel mines and NPA-NDF flags (Photo courtesy of 61IB)
ILOILO CITY — A suspected leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed as government troops overran an NPA hideout following an encounter in the hinterlands of Iloilo, the military said on Sunday.
Lt. Col. Sisenado Magbalot Jr., commanding officer of the 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB), said no government soldier was wounded but confirmed that a still unidentified man believed to be an NPA leader was killed in at least 30-minute exchange of gunfire at around 4 a.m. Sunday in Sitio Burak, Barangay Alimodias in Miagao, Iloilo.
Magbalot said the dead body aged between 35 to 40 years old was wearing the typical attire of the NPA, which is black and donned a fatigue-colored cap with a star design.
He said the more or less 20 NPA rebels belonging to the Suyak Platoon of the Southern Front, Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay of Joven Ceralvo was the same group that the 61IB encountered in Barangay Mulangan, Igbaras, Iloilo on March 17.
“Actually, it was still part of our pursuit operations following the series of encounters with the rebel groups in the past week in southern part of Iloilo. This is now our fourth encounter,” he said.
The 61IB recovered subversive documents, M16 rifle, ammunition, anti–personnel mines, and flags of the NPA-National Democratic Front at the NPA lair.
“We believe there are also wounded from their group because they were surprised by the presence of our government troops in the area. The pursuit and clearing operation still continue,” Magbalot said.
Barangay Alimodias, a hinterland barangay of Miagao, is around eight to 10 kilometers away from the town proper.
Meantime, Magbalot said they will be asking the help of barangay officials in identifying the dead body.
During the March 17 encounter, the government soldiers captured three NPA rebels identified as Ramon “Toto” Elamparo, 48; Roberto “Nono” Elbao, 50; and Ruperto “Bebot” Elamparo, 50.
A clash with the NPA also took place in Barangay Osorio-2 in San Remegio, Antique on March 19 and another encounter in Sitio Igburay, Barangay Lacay Doldol Igbaras, Iloilo on March 20.
Magbalot, earlier, said government troops will not let the communist group celebrate its 50th founding anniversary on March 29.
Both the United States and European Union had listed the CPP-NPA as a terrorist organization. (PNA)
