1 NPA killed in encounter
ANOTHER member of the New People's Army (NPA) was killed while a government trooper was wounded during an encounter Thursday morning, April 19, at Sitio Tadok, Barangay Kapatagan, Laak, Compostela Valley.
Philippine Army's 10th Infantry Division (ID) Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO) chief Captain Jerry Lamosao said that the armed clash between the troops of 60th Infantry Battalion (IB) and the rebels started at around 6:30 a.m. The troops were initially conducting combat operation at Sitio Tadok, Barangay Kapatagan, Laak when they encountered more or less 50 members of the communist group.
Prior to the encounter, the troops received information from a concerned citizen that a group of armed NPA members were converging in their community and planning to conduct extortion and force recruitment activity in the area.
They then proceeded to the area to validate the report but were met with bullets instead. The clash lasted for 45 minutes. Afterwards, the NPA withdrew in the south direction leaving their dead comrade behind.
On the government’s side, the troops suffered one wounded personnel who is now in stable condition after he was given first aid and brought to the hospital.
Security forces conducted hot pursuit operations against the fleeing rebels as they also found traces of blood from the encounter site which indicated that there were other wounded rebels.
Meanwhile, 10ID commander Major General Noel S. Clement commended the gallantry of the soldiers in defending the community against the lawless armed group.
He likewise acknowledged the active support of the residents for providing them timely information which helped them foil the rebels’ plot. The cooperation from the citizens showed their desire to put an end to the insurgency problem in their area.
"We thank the people of Laak, especially the residents of Sitio Tadok of barangay Kapatagan for reporting the presence of NPA terrorists in their community. It is a clear manifestation that NPA terrorists are not welcome in Laak and people are not supporting their cause," Clement said.
"With people's participation in our anti-insurgency/ terrorism campaign, we see more secured and conflict resilient communities," Clement added.