3 NPA killed during encounter
The results showed that if the whole nation will act together against these communist terrorists, we can attain sustainable peace
TACLOBAN CITY — Army soldiers pursuing the fleeing members of New People’s Army (NPA) in Las Navas town in Northern Samar says two more rebels were killed in the continuing firefight in the outskirt villages of the said town, bringing the number of casualties to three from the state’s enemy side.
The slain NPA were identified as Ricky Torzido, Jary Tolling alias Baba and Danilo Olango alias Bondat. Torzido was left in the scene of the encounter, while Tolling and Olango were carried away by their companions along with the wounded rebels.
According to report of the 20th Infantry Battalion, the location of the rebels in Baragay Sag-od, Las Navas was identified based on reports of residents and revelation made by three NPA members, including a student of Polytechnic University of the Philippines who were captured on 3 October.
“The success of our combat operations is the result of the people working closely with our soldiers. This has motivated your soldiers to give their best in protecting the communities,” Major Gen. Pio Diñoso, commanding general of the 8th Infantry Division, told Daily Tribune in an interview.
“The results showed that if the whole nation will act together against these communist terrorists, we can attain sustainable peace,” Diñoso said.
Lieutenant Colonel Juan Gullem, 20th Infantry Battalion Commander, also lauded the troops for the successful pursuit operation against the NPA who terrorized and disturbed the lives of the affected civilian community.
He said local residents have been complaining about the rampant extortion activities being done by the rebels and their encampment in four villages of Las Navas.
He added that the complaints of the villagers were also corroborated by revelations of the captured NPA regulars who also gave names of politicians, government employees and barangay officials who are in cahoots with the communist terrorist group.
Among those recovered during the encounter were three assorted rifles, one Bandolier, two fully loaded magazines for M1, one long empty M16 magazine, two fully loaded M14 magazines, one first aid kit, a flashlight and a sling bag and other personal belongings.
The recovered body of the slain NPA was turned over by the operating troops of 20th Infantry Battalion to the barangay officials of Brgy Sag-od, Las Navas, Northern Samar.
“It is unfortunate that fellow Filipinos were killed because of the propaganda, lies and deception of communist terrorist groups,” says Gullem. “Your Army in Northern Samar is resolute to address any armed group threatening the safety and well-being of our people.”
Gullem called on the NPA in Las Navas and in Northern Samar in general to lay down their arms while there is still time and live a peaceful life in the company of their family and loved ones.