ILOILO CITY – Three New People’s Army rebels were killed in an encounter with the Philippine Army in Barangay Torocadan, San Joaquin, Iloilo on Wednesday, February 28.
TROOPS found a New People’s Army (NPA) camp following an encounter in San Joaquin town, Iloilo province. (Army 301st IB)
The 301st Infantry Brigade said troops from the 61st Infantry Battalion engaged more than 20 communist rebels in a 20-minute firefight. An NPA camp was dismantled following the encounter.
However, the gun battle caused panic among residents, who posted online that an airstrike was ongoing.
The 301st IB explained the airstrike. “Assessing that the troops were in a disadvantageous position, there was a request for fire support. This prompted artillery fire support at about 3:20 a.m. prior to the final approach of the ground troops on the NPA encampment,” the 301st IB said in a statement.
Recovered from the NPA camp were five high-powered firearms – four M-16 rifles and an AK-47 rifle – three bandoliers, a commercial radio, and nine backpacks.
The 301st IB said that the NPA rebels were a significant threat not just in Iloilo but also in Antique. They are also a threat to civilians and government projects in the area, it added.
“This operation serves as a warning to the remaining members of the NPA who still espouse violence to pursue an unwanted cause,” said Brig. Gen. Michael Samson, 301st IB commander.