Army, NPA clash on holy week

From the Manila Channel of Philippine Standard News (Mar 28): Army, NPA clash on holy week

At least three armed fight ensued between the military and the New People’s Army in Eastern Visayas on the early early days of the holy week , says army spokesman in the region Capt. Gene Orense.

In a report reaching the army headquarters in Catbalogan, Samar, Capt. Orense said firefights happened on Monday and Tuesday in two separate villages in Ormoc city while the army troops from 19th Infantry Battalion under 2Lt. Amin A Macalintangui were conducting security patrol in Brgy Liberty and Ga-as in Ormoc.

Army troops in Samar also engaged with the rebels on Monday in Brgy. Sto. Niño, Paranas town.

Troops from the 87th Infantry Battalion under 1Lt. John Rey P. Acasio encountered five NPA rebels which resulted to the death of one NPA member and the recovery of one caliber .38 revolver, one hammock and NPA subversive documents, Capt. Orense said in a statement to Manila Channel.

The army however assured the public that they will maintain peace and order this Lent.

“The 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army assures the public that we will sustain our security operations in the region so that the catholic populace can observe a peaceful celebration of the holy week,” MGen Gerardo T. Layug said.

On Tuesday, the army joined with local leaders in declaring the entire province of Eastern Samar as another “manageable conflict affected and ready for development” province in the region.

Other provinces recently declared as insurgency-free under the jurisdiction of 8ID include Bohol, Cebu, Leyte and Southern Leyte.

http://www.manilachannel.com/2013/03/28/army-npa-clash-on-holy-week/