Govt troops, NPA rebels clash in Samar

From InterAksyon (Mar 10): Govt troops, NPA rebels clash in Samar

Government troops clashed with New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Samar in a series of encounters last week, the Philippine Army said.

Captain Gene Orense, spokesman of the Army's 8th Infantry Division, said members of the Alpha Company, 43rd Infantry Battalion led by 1st Lt. Roue Chris Libunao engaged an undetermined number of rebels in the boundary of Barangay Calondan, San Jose and Barangay Barayong, Motiong in Western Samar on March 8. Troops from the 20th IB also clashed with 15 NPA rebels in Barangay Kailingan, San Jose, Northern Samar last March 7, which led to the recovery of ammunition for several high-powered firearms such as AK47 rifle, M1 Garand rifle and M16 rifle.

No casualties were reported.

Lt. Col. Noel Vestuir, 20th IB commanding officer, said the encounter was a result of information relayed by local residents in the area.

"These NPA rebels have been harassing the local populace, forcing to give in to their revolutionary taxes in exchange for securing their communities," Vestuir said.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/56765/govt-troops-npa-rebels-clash-in-samar