ILOILO City – Two New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed in a gun battle with government troops on Saturday, July 29, in Sitio Pagas, Barangay Ayabang, Leon, Iloilo.
John Eric “Blue” Talibo of Barangay Indaluyon, Igbaras, Iloilo and Jennifer “Hope” Fariolan of Barangay Cabala-unan, Miag-ao, Iloilo were allegedly the squad leader and finance taxation implementor, respectively, of the NPA’s Sibat Platoon, Southern Front, KR-Panay.
Brigadier General Michael Samson, commander of the Philippine Army’s 301st Infantry Brigade, said the encounter occurred around 6:20 a.m. and lasted five minutes.
An improvised M16 rifle, two shotguns, one .45 pistol, anti-personnel mines, six blasting caps, one detonating switch, one NPA flag and four backpacks containing extortion letters and valuable subversive documents were recovered.
“This encounter served as a resounding confirmation that ending the decades-long insurgency is a collective responsibility. The support and cooperation of the people have thwarted the NPA’s extortion activities,” said Samson./PN
