Soldiers, rebels clash in Samar town

From the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism Blog site (May 12): Soldiers, rebels clash in Samar town

Philippine Army soldiers escorting the transport of the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines and election paraphernalia exchanged fire with about 15 armed men believed to be members of the New People’s Army in the vicinity of Barangay Nawi, Paranas town, Samar last Friday.

Lt. Colonel Cerilo Balaoro Jr., commanding officer of the 87th Infantry Battalion said his men were passing by the village to transport election materials when they chanced upon a group of armed men reportedly extorting money and campaigning in favour of the NPA-backed candidates and left-leaning party-list groups.

After a brief exchange of fire, the soldiers reportedly recovered a .45-caliber pistol, a .38-caliber revolver, three magazines and ammunitions for M-16 rifle, a blasting cap, a flag and documents of the NPA, seven combat packs, assorted medicines and personal belongings.

The rebels fled after the brief clash. No casualty was reported from both sides.

Capt. Amado Gutierrez, chief of the 8th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office, said the encounter occurred two days after the arrest of alleged NPA leader Renato Abadiano aka Tiboy by men of the 87th IB and police in Barangay Dolores, San Sebastian.

According to Gutierrez, the rebel leader was arrested while he was waiting for some candidates to pay permit-to-campaign and permit-to-win fees. The military reportedly seized a .45-caliber pistol, improvised explosive devices, blasting caps, and documents from Abadiano.

Maj. Gen. Gerardo Layug, commanding general of the 8th ID based in Catbalogan City, in a press statement said security operations “will continue even after the elections in order to promote and achieve a peaceful and secure environment conducive to economic development in the Samar provinces, which all Samaranons aspire for.”

http://pcij.org/blog/2013/05/12/soldiers-rebels-clash-in-samar-town