ILOILO City – A suspected member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed in an encounter in Barangay Minan, Tapaz, Capiz on Wednesday.
The cadaver has yet to be identified, according to Lieutenant John Bethoven Malana of the Philippine Army’s 82nd Infantry Battalion (82IB).
Malana said the 82IB soldiers were responding to reports on the presence of armed men when they encountered the remnants of the Komiteng Rehiyon -Panay (KR-P), Central Front and Regional Sentro De Grabidad of the NPA at around 3 p.m.
The exchange of fire lasted for about five minutes.
“Hindi sila nagtagal sa bakbakan at tumakbo sila leaving behind the dead body,” Malana told Panay News.
The government troops recovered two 30 M1 carbines, two 12-gauge shotguns, six 12-gauge shotgun ammunition, other war materials, two backpacks, a commercial radio, food supply, and personal belongings from the encounter site.
For his part, Brigadier General Michael Samson, commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID), lauded the efforts of his men and expressed gratitude to the local populace for their collaborative effort that resulted in the neutralization of the said rebel.
“Tapaznons have been on our side since we started our quest towards achieving a peaceful and progressive Tapaz and Panay Island. We are glad that we still have their support in our effort now to neutralize the remaining communist-terrorists. Their willingness to work with us for a harmonious town is a warm gesture, showing how sincere the government and the whole Tapaz community are in welcoming with open arms those CTG remnants who wish to return to the mainstream society,” said Samson.
He also echoed the persistent call of the 3ID’s leadership to the rebel remnants to abandon terroristic activities and embrace peace.
“While you still have time, lay down your arms and return to the folds of the law to avoid the fate your comrade suffered in the Tapaz encounter. Avail the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program, go back to your community and family who truly care for you, and start a new and productive life,” he added./PN
