TACLOBAN CITY – Two suspected members of the New People's Army (NPAs) and a soldier were killed in an hour-long clash between soldiers and a CPP-NPA armed band in the hinterlands of Brgy. Lawgawan, Bontoc, Southern Leyte Wednesday (August 18).
The Army, with the help of local officials, is still trying to identify the fatalities that are believed to be remnants of Platoon 1, Island Committee Levox, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC), CPP-NPA-NDF.
During clearing operations of the 14th Infantry (Avenger) Battalion, they recovered one M16 rifle, three backpacks, 10 tents, and personal belongings.
Fourteenth (14th) Infantry Battalion Commander LtCol Ernesto dela Rosa said he has reason to believe that the enemy suffered heavy casualties aside from the two confirmed fatalities. Bloodstains were also found at the encounter site.
However, a soldier was fatally wounded and died on the spot. Another soldier was wounded but has already been given immediate treatment.
The identities of the government casualties are withheld pending notification of their respective families.
Meanwhile, the 802nd Infantry Brigade Commander, Brig. Gen. Zosimo Oliveros ordered the deployment of additional soldiers including a reinforcement from the 93IB to hunt down the fleeing members of the armed group.
"In the name of Executive Order 70 which aims to attain lasting peace and inclusive development in the country through the whole-of-government, whole-of-nation approach, we always encourage and welcome the support of local officials and the citizens in ending the local communist armed conflict," Oliveros urged.