Troops, NPA clash while on poll duty

From the Daily Tribune (Oct 31): Troops, NPA clash while on poll duty

Government security forces rendering election duty on Tuesday encountered communist New People’s Army (NPA) attempting to influence the conduct of the barangay polls in northern Samar province.

Brig. Gen. Jet Velarmino, commander of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division (ID), said that elements of the elite 1st Scout Ranger Battalion were conducting security operations along Barangay Caputoan in Las Navas town where they chanced upon an NPA band.

A 10-minute firefight erupted immediately between the Army troops and the 20-man rebel band.

Velarmino said that no casualty was reported on the government side.

On the other hand, undetermined number of communist rebels was believed to have been killed or wounded during the clash as reported by local residents and the engaged troops.

Reports said the NPA band was in the area to influence the result of the barangay election.

Velarmino commended the troops for thwarting the communist attempt as he attributed the successful operation to the coordination of the local residents to the military.

 We must protect the people’s right of suffrage and their freedom to vote for the candidate of their choice,” said Velarmino.

 http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/troops-npa-clash-while-on-poll-duty