BY GLENDA SOLOGASTOA
ILOILO City – Philippine Army soldiers seized a New People’s Army (NPA) camp after an encounter with rebels in Barangay Igcabugao, Igbaras, Iloilo.
The camp was some 700 square meters wide and could accommodate around a hundred cadres, according to Major Ray Tiongson, spokesperson of the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division (3ID).
It also had three kitchens, foxholes, makeshift tents and a firing range, he added.
The Army’s 82nd Infantry “Bantay-Laya” Battalion (82IB) stumbled on the rebel camp while pursuing a band of rebels with whom they exchanged fire for some five minutes in Barangay Igcabugao around 1:55 p.m. on Wednesday.
Residents provided helpful information about the camp, said Colonel Erick Uchida, commander of the 301st Brigade based in Dingle, Iloilo.
“This is a big blow to the NPA,” he said.
Recovered from the rebel camp were training paraphernalia, wires for improvised explosive devices and personal belongings.
“NPA camps are being used to assemble improvised explosives,” said Uchida.
Rebels in Panay Island are known to use improvised explosive devises in offensives.
The government troops were conducting “community security operations” in Barangay Igcabugao when they were fired at by an undetermined number of rebels, said Lieutenant Colonel Aldwine Almase, 82IB commanding officer.
The rebels were believed to be members of the Southern Front, Komiteng Rehiyonal – Panay.
None from the government troops were injured or killed. The Army, however, believed it may have wounded some rebels, citing bloodstains along the insurgents’ withdrawal route.
“They were disorganized and withdrew to different directions. But we have alerted our medical team just in case those wounded NPA members would seek assistance,” said Almase.
He urged the rebels to lay down their arms peacefully.
“Their human rights will be respected,” said Almase.
As of this writing, hot pursuit operations were ongoing.
Prior to Wednesday’s encounter, the Army received reports that the rebels were extorting money and food from villagers.
Major General Rey Leonardo Guerrero, the new 3ID commander, lauded the civilians for volunteering information about the insurgents.
“We acted upon the call of the people to preserve peace and security in their community. They are fed up with rebels who constantly ask for financial support and provisions from them,” said Guerrero./PN
