The military has heightened their presence in the community after complaints of farmers about extortion activities by the rebels involving threat and intimidation.
A suspected member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was reportedly killed after a clash between communist rebels and government troops in Borongan City, Eastern Samar Sunday (August 1).
The Philippine Army’s 78th Infantry Battalion (78IB) reported on Monday that soldiers were patrolling the hinterland village of San Andres when they encountered a band of armed rebels around 8:00 a.m. Sunday.
“A 35-minute firefight ensued between the Army and communist terrorists that resulted in one slain NPA member,” the Army said in a statement.
There were no reported casualties among the government troops, the Army added.
The military has heightened their presence in the community after complaints of farmers about extortion activities by the rebels involving threat and intimidation.
Among the seized materiel after the gun battle are one M16 rifle with one long magazine and ammunition, anti-personnel mines, detonator, rifle grenades, one magazine and ammunition of AK-47, subversive documents, backpacks and rebel’s personal belongings.
The military also discovered small NPA lairs early Sunday before the clash.
“I extend my most profound sympathy to the family of the slain rebel. Rest assured that he will be given a decent burial through the help of the city government of Borongan,” Lt. Col. Oliver Alvior, commanding officer of the 78IB, said.
“Bumalik na kayo sa panig ng pamahalaan, manirahan ng mapayapa sa piling ng inyong pamilya at mahal sa buhay,” he added.
(JKA/With report from PNA)
Tags: #OpinYon8, #BoronganEasternSamar, #NewPeoplesArmy, #Communistinsurgency, #ArmedForcesOfThePhilippines