Gov’t troops, ‘reds’ clash anew

ILOILO City – Another encounter between t he New People’s Army ( NPA) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) transpired on Monday in the hinterlands of Barangay Igsolique, Miagao, Iloilo, a week after the clash in San Joaquin town.

The encounter erupted at around 4:40 p.m. while soldiers from the 61 st Infantry Battalion were having offensive operations in connection with the January 28 clash in Barangay Torocadan, San Joaquin, according to Brigadier General Michael Samson, commander of the 301st Infantry Brigade.

Samson said that there were three engagements with the rebels, who are believed to be part of the Southern Panay Front, Kometing Rehiyon Panay.

“The same group of rebels ang nakaaway n gating mg a tao. Tatlong engagement ang nagyari, pero tumakbo ang kaaway. Our men are still in the field for a manhunt operation,” Samson said.

Recovered in the area were one M16 rifle, one .45 pistol, one rifle grenade, one bandolier, one commercial radio, four mobile cellphones, four backpacks, five M16 magazines, 169 rounds of M16, two AK47 magazines, 54 rounds of AK47, one EID detonator, and seven blasting caps.

Samson believes that there are wounded rebels because of the bloodstains found in their escape route. Meanwhile, there were no reported casualties or injuries on the military’s side.

To recall, the same group engaged in an encounter in Barangay Torocadan, San Joaquin on February 28, where four rebels died and one was captured.

Meanwhile, Samson has warned the public to be wary of the pictures of the alleged slain rebels scattered through social media.

“G us toko lang manawagan sam ga publiko na mag ingat sa pag- post ng pictures kasi hindika min ag pop os tng pictures n aw a lang ta kip an gmuk hang mga fatalities,” Samson said./