NPA claims victory in Isabela

From the Visayan Daily Star (Dec 28): NPA claims victory in Isabela

The Leonardo Panaligan Command of the New People's Army claimed victory in recent encounters with Army soldiers in Brgy. San Agustin, Isabela, Negros Occidental, and alleged to have killed not two, but four of them. Ka JB Regalado, spokesman of the Leonardo Panaligan Command, claimed in a statement that they had recovered two M-16 armalite rifles with an M203 grenade launcher with ammunition and two handheld radios. Col. Francisco Patrimonio, 302 nd Infantry Brigade commander, however, dismissed the claims of the rebel group as “exaggerated”. Military records show that two Army soldiers were killed, and others were injured.

Patrimonio said the M16 rifle with M203 grenade launcher of PFC Oliver Grecia had been severely damaged, as it had been hit by bullets. Regalado said “ We also condemn the act of the Armed Forces of the Philippines for continuously violating human rights by illegally arresting 19 indigenous peoples in Sitio Mamaho-Paho, Brgy. San Agustin, Isabela (Negros Occidental), some of whom are minors.” He also maintained that they are civilians, and not members of the NPA. Eight of the 19 were recently charged for double murder and multiple frustrated murder before the Negros Occidental Prosecutor's Office, for the death and injuries of soldiers, who are members of the 11 th Infantry Battalion. Three of the eight rebels facing charges, also tested positive for gunpowder nitrates, Patrimonio said.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2012/December/28/topstory9.htm