61st Infantry Battalion engages NPA force in Iloilo, number of casualties sustained by rebels still unknown

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 6): 61st Infantry Battalion engages NPA force in Iloilo, number of casualties sustained by rebels still unknown

Showing their resolve to end the insurgent threat once and for all, 61st Infantry Battalion troopers engaged an New People's Army (NPA) band in Lambunao, Iloilo Saturday, causing an undetermined number of casualties to the rebel force.

The clash took place 12:05 p.m., 3rd Infantry Division public affairs office Lt. Col. Ericson Rosana said.

He added that 61st Infantry Battalion troops were checking on reports on NPA improvised explosive device laying activities in Barangay Cabatangan when they spotted an estimated 14 rebels, triggering a 20-minute firefight.

Rosana said the NPAs retreated to the direction of Sitio Dasuk with an undetermined number of casualties.

No losses were reported by government forces even as pursuit operations are now being conducted by the additional elements of the 61st Infantry Battalion.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=961411