LAGUNA CLASH. Government troops seize firearms and other equipment from NPA members following a clash in Barangay San Antonio, Kalayaan, Laguna on Tuesday (Aug. 4, 2020). Three NPA members were killed in the clash. (Photo courtesy of PNP Public Information Office)
MANILA – A manhunt is underway for members of the New People's Army (NPA) who had three members killed after an armed encounter with government forces in Laguna on Tuesday, the Police Regional Office (PRO) 4-A (Calabarzon) said Wednesday.
In his report to Camp Crame, PRO4-A director, Brig. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. confirmed the death of three communist terrorists identified as Dioscoro Cello alias Ka Termo, and two others known only as Ka Omar/Efren and Ka Danny/Mar/Rey.
Cello is the platoon leader of the communist terrorist group's Platun Laguna-Quezon, Melito Glor Command, Main Regional Guerilla Unit, Southern Tagalog Region, and General Secretary of Cesar Batrallo Command.
He is the subject of a warrant of arrest with a PHP3.8-million bounty for his capture.
“The Philippine National Police condemns in the strongest terms the latest act of hostility of the New People’s Army in Laguna amid the health crisis we are facing right now”, PNP chief Gen. Archie Gamboa said in a statement.
The encounter between the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 4-A (RMFB4A) and around 40 NPA terrorists ensued while the troops were scouting for a shelter area for a government project in Barangay San Antonio in the town of Kalayaan.
Troops recovered from the slain insurgents four assault rifles, a grenade launcher, IED bombs, triggering devices, radio transceivers, and hundreds of rounds of assorted ammunition.
Gamboa commended the members of RMFB4A for their immediate action preventing the insurgents from causing further distress and damage to the community. (PNA)
