Two NPA rebels die in clash with military
ORMOC CITY — Two suspected
members of New People's Army were
killed in a firefight with the government
troops at the mountain barangay of Hilapnitan in Baybay City of Leyte at around 10:45 a.m. on
Thursday.
Brigadier General Francisco Mendoza Jr., commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade based in Camp Jorge Downes in Ormoc City, yesterday said the two fatalities have yet to be identified, as the police Scene of the Crime Operatives found no documents on their identities.
Mendoza said the government troops-consisting of two squads of the 78th Infantry Battalion Charlie Company, led by 1st Lieutenant Herobemu Labado, and two squads more of the Scout Rangers, led by 1st Lt. Edgardo Bernas Jr.-were conducting security operations in the area.
Lieutenant Colonel Danilo Dupiag, commander of the 78th IB, said that, upon reaching sitio Tugas of Hilapnitan, the soldiers saw a group of about 20 armed rebels having a meeting.
Shortly after, the rebels fired at the approaching soldiers, and a gunbattle ensued that lasted for about an hour, said Dupiag, adding that there were no casualties on the side of the government.
He said that as the rebels fled, they left behind two of their dead comrades, and an M16 armalite and M653 baby armalite rifles. The encounter site could be reached two hours by foot from the national road.
The bodies of the two rebels were brought to the Baybay City Rural Health Unit for possible identification, while the soldiers continued their pursuit operations against the fleeing rebels.
"The government soldiers continue doing the mandate of ensuring the safety of the people and properties against any threats. We are glad the people abhor these leftleaning groups and instead they report to the authorities once they smell the rebels' presence in their community," Dupiag stated. —
Report from Elvie Roman Roa in Ormoc City, and GMA News Network