By Sarwell Meniano
TACLOBAN CITY – Two combatants of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed and war materiel was seized during a series of encounters in upland Sto. Niño village in Paranas town, Samar province on Feb. 5, the Philippine Army reported Thursday.
The military has yet to identify the NPA members slain during the clashes.
The Philippine Army’s 801st Infantry Brigade (IB) said the first clash broke out at about 5 a.m. on Wednesday when troops of the 33rd Special Forces Company and the 87th IB encountered an undetermined number of armed rebels belonging to the Yakal platoon, sub-regional committee browser of the NPA’s Eastern Visayas regional party committee.
Three hours later, other troops of the unit encountered the same band of rebels attempting to evade government forces, according to the brigade.
Minutes after the second encounter, the blocking forces of the 87th IB encountered the fleeing rebels.
The three-minute firefight killed two unidentified NPA combatants.
Soldiers also seized one M16 rifle, one caliber .45 pistol, two International Humanitarian Law-banned anti-personnel mines, one rifle grenade, assorted magazines, ammunition, and other war materiel.
In a statement, Brig. Gen. Lenart Lelina, commander of the 801st IB, extended his sympathies to the slain rebels’ families, saying that the loss of life is always tragic.
He reiterated the military’s commitment to peace and reconciliation.
“We urge remaining terrorists to consider laying down their arms and embracing the government’s reintegration programs to build a more peaceful and progressive future,” he said.
The clash happened as government forces intensified their focused military operation following the information given by concerned civilians that a group of armed men was seen conducting extortion activities in their community.
The Army’s 8th Infantry Division commander, Maj. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, credited the operation’s success to the people’s concern and eagerness to help the government eradicate armed rebellion in Samar.
“This is our strong response to the wishes of our people to be free from the continuous threats of the remaining terrorists. We will continue to scour every mountain of Eastern Visayas until we get rid of the last NPA member,” Orio said.
He, however, noted that despite the aggressive operations against the NPA, government troops are still willing to help those who want to surrender and live a new and peaceful life with their families. (PNA)
