ILOILO City – The Philippine Army has renewed its call for communist rebels to surrender following a clash in Tapaz, Capiz on February 26 which resulted in the death of one suspected New People’s Army (NPA) member and the recovery of high-powered firearms.
Troops from the 82nd Infantry Battalion conducted a combat operation after receiving intelligence about at least seven members of the NPA operating in the area.
The rebels, believed to be remnants of the dismantled guerrilla fronts of the Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay (KR-P), engaged the soldiers in a five-minute firefight before fleeing northward.
After securing the area, government forces found the body of an unidentified man along with two .30 M1 carbines, two 12-gauge shotguns, six shotgun rounds, and various supplies, including backpacks, food, and communication equipment.
Brigadier General Michael Samson, acting commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, commended both the troops and the residents of Tapaz for their cooperation. He stressed the importance of community support in maintaining peace.
“The people of Tapaz have consistently backed our efforts to eliminate insurgent threats, contributing to a peaceful and progressive Panay Island,” said Samson.
He appealed again to NPA remnants to surrender, offering reintegration assistance through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
“Your comrades have already faced the consequences of clinging to a lost cause. It’s not too late to lay down your arms and start anew. The government is ready to help you reintegrate,” Samson added.
Military operations are ongoing in Tapaz and surrounding areas as security forces aim to prevent further insurgent activity and encourage more rebels to surrender./PN
