MOURNING. Philippine flag inside the base camp of Philippine Army 46th Infantry Battalion in Calbiga, Samar at half-mast after a fire fight with communist rebels that killed six soldiers and wounded six others early Tuesday (April 23, 2019). Soldiers are in pursuit of the rebels involved in a fierce gun battle. (Photo by Sarwell Meniano)
CALBIGA, Samar -- The Philippine Army is pursuing New People’s Army (NPA) rebels who were involved in a fierce gun battle that killed six government troops and wounded six others early Tuesday.
In a statement issued Wednesday, Philippine Army 8th Infantry Division Commander, Major Gen. Raul Farnacio, said they will not stop until all armed rebels behind the attack are captured.
“We will not stop chasing them. I directed a pursuit operation against the fleeing rebels and acknowledge the civilians for providing the information on the presence and activities of the communist terrorist,” Farnacio said.
Killed were Corporals Junurimbran Mamalo Jr. and Edgar Abing, Privates 1st Class Arthur Garcia and Rufino Paster Jr., and Privates Danilo Constantino Jr. and Elben Lagrimas.
Wounded on the government side were Sgt. Gilbert Benito Jr., Cpl. Reymart Vigilia, and Pfcs. Darwin Magoncia, Mark Kevin Frigillana, Joseph Salonga, and Rex Espanol.
The army believes there were also casualties on the enemy side, as indicated by blood stains along their escape route.
The Philippine Army said an undetermined number of NPA members detonated anti-personnel mines at about 2:45 a.m. when they spotted patrolling soldiers in the upland village of Beri, some 12 km. from the Calbiga town center.
After the blast, soldiers of the 46th Infantry Battalion based in Calbiga engaged the terror group in hours of fierce gun battle that lasted until Tuesday morning.
The NPA, which has been engaged in a five-decade armed struggle, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)
