SAMAR CLASH. Soldiers of the 14th Infantry Batallion, the same military unit engaged in fresh gun battle with the New People's Army (NPA) in Borongan City, Eastern Samar. The operation has killed a rebel while soldiers overrun the NPA's lair. (Photo courtesy of 14th Infantry Battalion)
TACLOBAN CITY -- A member of the communist terrorist New People’s Army (NPA) was killed when government troops overran an NPA lair in Borongan City, Eastern Samar on Thursday.
In a report, the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Brigade said at least one armed rebel died during an encounter with the military and 50 members of the terrorist group in upland Pinanag-an village around 7:30 a.m. on Thursday.
Soldiers of the 14th Infantry Battalion have been patrolling the heavily-forested area following reports of villagers on the establishment of an NPA lair there. The gun battle lasted for nearly two hours. No one from the government side was hurt.
After the clash, troops recovered the body of the slain rebel, firearms, improvised explosive device, magazines, rifle grenades, ammunition, backpacks, assorted medicines, blasting caps, mobile phones, bomb switch, and subversive documents with high intelligence value.
Major Gen. Raul M. Farnacio, commander of 8th Infantry Division said in a statement that the communist terrorists have been on the run since the government launched its relentless patrol operations in the far-flung communities influenced by the terrorists.
“This is proof that our counter-insurgency strategies are effective with the help of communities who reject the NPA’s ideology,” Farnacio said.
He urged rebels to surrender and avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, a complete package of assistance to former rebels to help them mainstream with the community and be productive citizens.
The NPA, which has been waging a five-decade armed struggle against the government, is considered as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)
