FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – Seven New People’s Army (NPA) members were killed in an encounter with the 84th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Malbang, Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija on Wednesday afternoon, June 26.
GUNS recovered from the encounter site in Barangay Malbang, Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija on Wednesday, June 26. (Photo via Freddie G. Lazaro)
Major Dondon D. Canilang, civil-military operations head, 703rd Brigade, said the slain communist rebels have yet to be identified.
Recovered from the encounter site were three M14 rifles, six M16 rifles, one M16 with M203 attached rifle, one low-powered firearm, subversive documents, and personal belongings.
Soldiers sustained no casualties or injuries.
Lt. Col. Jerald Reyes, 84th IB chief, said the gun battle was a result of a hot pursuit following an aerial operation in the hinterlands of Sitio Marikit East, Barangay Abuyo, Alfonso Castaneda, Nueva Vizcaya on June 20.
Reyes said the operation stopped the rebels’ plan regain influence in communities.
He said these communist fighters came from Aurora and proceeded to Nueva Vizcaya to conduct extortion activities then escaped to Nueva Ecija when they were reported.
“We thank the people of Nueva Ecija for their support to the military. We will ensure the safety of the people of Nueva against the NPA.”
Brig. Gen. Joseph Norwin D. Pasamonte, 703rd Infantry Brigade commander, attributed the success of the operation to the active cooperation of the peace-loving community in Pantabangan who work hand-in-hand with the security sector to preserve peace.
Pasamonte called on the NPA to surrender and grab the opportunities offered by the government to live a new life.