The number of slain communist rebels during the military operation in Dolores town of Eastern Samar rose to 19 after another fighter of the New People’s Army (NPA) was discovered when soldiers scoured the clash site.
Capt. Reynaldo Aragones, spokesperson of the 8th Infantry Division, said the cadaver was discovered with the help of a K-9 team which was sent to the area.
“There are now 19 confirmed slain NPA rebels after another cadaver was recovered. Two more firearms were also recovered which brought to 32 the number of firearms confiscated,” said Aragones.
On August 16, soldiers from the 8th Infantry Division stormed the NPA hideout in the hinterlands of Dolores, Eastern Samar. A total of 16 rebels were initially confirmed dead. Two more were recovered later.
The operation was considered as the biggest military offensive in the past few years.
Aragones said the cadavers were initially brought to the Headquarters of the 52nd Infantry Battalion in Brgy. Dau, Oras and are expected to be turned over to local authorities.