ZAMBOANGA CITY -- A New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was killed while a soldier was wounded in an encounter in the Zamboanga Sibugay town of Kabasalan, military officials said Thursday.
Lt. Col. Don Templonuevo, Army’s 44th Infantry Battalion commander, disclosed the firefight erupted around 3 p.m. Wednesday in Barangay Diampak, Kabasalan.
Templonuevo said the firefight, which lasted for about 30 minutes, ensued when the troops responded to the report of residents about the presence of NPAs extorting money and foodstuffs in their community.
“While the troops are approaching, the NPAs opened fire, which triggered a firefight,” Templonuevo said, adding the troops recovered an M-16 Armalite rifle and subversive documents with high intelligence value.
He said the wounded soldier was rushed to the nearest hospital.
Brig. Gen. Bagnus Gaerlan Jr., the Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade commander, thanked the locals "for taking action against the NPAs’ threat and extortion activities in their localities".
Gaerlan called on the NPA, especially those who were wounded, “to come out and be given proper medical treatment”.
“We assure you of your safety and security. We will also assist you to avail the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) for you to live peacefully,” Gaerlan added.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Roberto Ancan, Army’s 1st Infantry Division commander, commended the troops for the swift response, and the people of Kabasalan for their cooperation.
“With the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC), we will unify and harmonize our peace and development efforts with the local government units, government agencies and other stakeholders to end the local communist armed conflict in the region,” Ancan said.
Ancan expressed sympathy to the family of the slain NPA rebel, adding “it is tragic that he took arms against the government which led to his senseless demise.” (PNA)
