ILOILO CITY — The 12th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army seized a firearm from the New People’s Army in a clash in Capiz province this week.
AN M16 rifle was recovered in an encounter between the New People's Army and Philippine Army in Tapaz, Capiz. (Army 12th IB)
Lt. Col. Vicel Jan Garsuta, 12th IB commander, said an M-16 rifle was recovered in Barangay Batobato, Tapaz town.
The 12th IB troops were conducting foot patrol on Monday, Nov. 18, when they engaged rebels from the NPA Regional Sentro de Grabidad (RSDG) and the dismantled NPA Panay Central Front Committee.
A firefight ensued until the NPA rebels withdrew.
Garsuta said there were no wounded government troops but they there may be on the side of the NPA rebels as bloodstains were found in the area.
The hierarchy of the 3rd ID lauded the efforts of the 12th IB against the communist rebels.
“Our troops are persistently pursuing remnants of the NPA to prevent the group from resurging,” said Major Gen. Marion Sison, 3rd ID commander.
“With the unwavering support of the people of Panay, we will not allow this terrorist group to gain any ground or rise up again. We will ensure their complete defeat,” added Sison.