3 NPA leaders, 2 members killed in Camarines Sur clash
LEGAZPI CITY – Three leaders and two members of the New People's Army (NPA) were killed in a clash with government troops in Camarines Sur province on Tuesday.
Major Frank Roldan, 9th Infantry Division spokesperson, said troops from the 83rd Infantry Battalion and the Philippine National Police encountered the group in a mountainous area in Barangay Burabod, Lagonoy.
Roldan said the casualties were Bal, head of the Regional Urban Committee of the Bicol Regional Party Committee; Paeng, head of Platoon 1, Komiteng Larangang Guerilla Sub-Regional Committee; and Ter or Dado, head of KLG2, SRC2, and their members Cris and Pepe.
Recovered from the encounter site were an M16 rifle, a caliber .45 pistol, three anti-personnel mines, a laptop, and personal belongings.
The gun battle followed intensified pursuit operations by troops after the discovery of four M16 rifles in Barangay Pinamihagan, Lagonoy on Dec. 20.
Roldan said the communist rebels are attempting to return to areas they previously controlled to garner support but some residents reported them to authorities.
Major Gen. Aldwine Almase, 9th ID commander, thanked the community for its cooperation in maintaining peace and security. Almase urged remaining NPA members to surrender. (PNA)