ILOILO CITY – The 61st Infantry Battalion (IB) of the Philippine Army recovered an AK-47 rifle following an encounter with the New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay Camandag, Leon town, Iloilo province, on Tuesday, July 11.
Lt. Col. Arturo Balgos Jr., 61st IB commander, said no soldier was injured in the encounter but there may be wounded NPA rebels based on the blood trail in the area.
Balgos said troops were in Barangay Camandag after residents reported attempted extortion and harassment by NPA rebels from the Sibat Platoon of the Southern Front Committee of Panay Island.
The Army also recovered ammunition as well as subversive documents.
The Army 3rd Infantry Division (ID) sternly warned the NPA in Iloilo.
“We will not stop hunting the remaining NPA rebels who still hiding from authorities,” said Major Gen. Marion Sison, 3rd ID commander.
“I am calling on the remaining NPA rebels to lay down their arms and live peacefully together with your families,” added Sison.