An alleged member of the New People's Army (NPA) has been killed in a recent encounter with the Philippine Army (PA) in Baao, Camarines Sur, the military reported Wednesday, Sept. 21.
A military report disclosed that elements of the 49th Infantry Battalion (49IB) clashed with around five armed individuals in Brgy. Sta. Teresita around 10:15 p.m. Monday, Sept. 19.
The troops were conducting security operations as part of a Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) in the village when they received a report from the residents about the presence of the armed individuals.
"Agad naman nirespondehan ng mga sundalo ang nasabing sumbong at doon nila nakasagupa ang nasa limang miyembro ng CTG (The soldiers immediately responded to the report and that's when they encountered around five members of the communist terrorist group)," Lt. Col. Jerome Cabigon, battalion commander of 49IB, said.
The clash lasted for eight minutes until the enemies withdrew. Just as the troops were scouring the encounter site, they discovered the body of an unidentified man believed to be part of the communist group they fought.
The troops also discovered an M16 Bushmaster rifle, 84 pieces of ammunition for M16 rifle, three magazines for M16 rifle, a bandolier; three cellphones, a commercial radio, a stethoscope, and three bags containing personal items of the groups in the area. (Martin A. Sadongdong)