ILOILO CITY – The 82nd Infantry Battalion (IB) of the Philippine Army seized ammunition from an abandoned camp of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Janiuay town, Iloilo province.
Troops recovered four live ammunition and 19 empty cartridges of 5.56mm following an encounter in Sitio Bacan, Barangay Barasalon on Sunday, November 12.
AMMO seized from an abandoned camp of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Janiuay town, Iloilo province. (Army 82 IB)
Lt. Col. Clifford Catubigan, 82nd IB commanding officer, said that troops encountered around four NPA rebels from the Central Front of the NPA Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay while verifying information from residents on their extortion activities.
Catubigan said there may be wounded NPA rebels in the five-minute clash from bloodstains found in the enemy withdrawal route.
The 3rd Infantry Division (ID) lauded the 82nd IB and the people for informing them of rebel activities.
“Your Army will not allow the NPA rebels to stage atrocities and conduct their extortion scheme in Janiuay and neighboring towns. As I direct our troops to shift to combat operations, I encourage everyone to join our fight against this terrorist group by providing information to our soldiers,” said Major Gen. Marion Sison, 3rd ID commanding general.