CEBU CITY – A member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed in an encounter with government troops on Friday, May 12, in Antequera, Bohol.
In a report by the Bohol Provincial Police Office (BPPO), the fatality was identified as a certain “Jasper,” a political guide of the Sandatahang Yunit Propaganda (SYP) Platoon of the Bohol Party Committee (BPC).
A .45 caliber pistol was recovered after the firefight.
The report added that personnel of the 47th Infantry Battalion, Bohol Regional Intelligence Unit, Provincial Intelligence Unit, Provincial Mobile Force Company, Maneuver Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion, Antequera Municipal Police Station, and San Isidro Municipal Police Station figured in a firefight with at least five members of the BPC.
The firefight lasted for about five minutes before the rebels retreated, the BPPO said.
There were no injuries or casualties on the government side.
Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, commander of the Visayas Command, commended the continuing operations to ensure peace and security in the area.
“I commend our troops for their steadfast commitment in ending the local communist armed conflict in the Visayas region,” said Arevalo.
“This is a clear manifestation of our strong desire to attain just and lasting peace and sustain the democratic way of life for all the people in this part of the country,” added Arevalo.
Arevalo said the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA (CPP-NPA) continues to suffer setbacks.
"We are resolute in our ceaseless campaign to end the local communist armed conflict which has disrupted the lives and progress of our people in the Visayas. We, therefore, reiterate our call to the few remaining members of the CPP-NPA to lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law. Heed the call of our government for genuine peace before the long arms of justice will catch up with you,” said Arevalo.