SEIZED. Photo shows the belongings of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) recovered by the Army's 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB) after an armed encounter at Igcabugao village, Igbaras town, Iloilo on Wednesday (Sept. 25, 2019). The Army prevented the Suyak Platoon, Southern Front, Komiteng Rehiyon Panay planned an attack against a private company in Igbaras town. (Photo courtesy of 61IB)
ILOILO CITY -- The Philippine Army's 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB) and the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) rebels clashed at Igcabugao village, Igbaras town, Iloilo on Wednesday morning.
Lt. Col. Joel Benedict Batara, commanding officer of the 61IB, said the troops are conducting pursuit operations against the Suyak Platoon, Southern Front, Komiteng Rehiyon Panay when they received reliable information about the rebels' presence in Igcabugao village.
"We immediately responded to the said report which resulted in another armed engagement with more or less 10 members led by Melgar Besmanos alias 'Mar' of Sibat (SYP) Platoon, Southern Front, Komiteng Rehiyon Panay under Nahum Camariosa alias “Bebong”, Batara said in an official statement.
The same group was also encountered by the government troops in the towns of Miag-ao and Maasin on Monday.
Batara said the soldiers were again able to prevent the rebels in their planned attack against the Century Peak Energy Corporation (CPEC) and its hydro-power plant in Igbaras.
Despite the extortion demands from the rebels in previous years, Batara commended the CPEC for not giving in to the pressure of the rebels.
Wednesday’s encounter resulted in the confiscation of three Molotov bombs, one rifle grenade, one hand grenade, one blasting cap, two packs of ammonium nitrate, two dynamites, and a t-shirt.
Batara said no one was reported hurt on the side of the government.
Meanwhile, the Army had identified the slain CPP-NPA member as Vincent Yovero, whose body was retrieved after a gunfight in Miag-ao on Monday.
Maj. Gen. Dinoh Dolina, commander of the Army’s 3Infantry Division, had earlier called on the rebels encountered by the 61IB to look into the welfare of their wounded comrades.
“Don’t leave them. They are also Filipinos. Surrender them to the government for them to avail of proper medical attention. Your Army will be happy to accept and help your injured companions,” Dolina said in a statement.
Batara also assured that the Army will continue to protect the community against harassment of the rebels.
“The troops will continue to safeguard the community against these terrorists and with the help of the people, together we can achieve a peaceful and developed barangays and municipalities,” Batara said.
The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)
