Rebel killed in encounter

From the Mindanao Times (Jan 22): Rebel killed in encounter

A SQUAD leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed while a soldier was wounded in an encounter in New Bataan, Compostela Valley at 8:56 a.m. last Saturday.
Lt. Col. Palmer Parungao, the commander of 66th IB, said troopers of the 66th Infantry Battalion encountered around 30 NPAs, said to be members of the Sentro De Grabidad, Guerilla Front 25, in Sitio Tadia, Barangay Bantacan, New Bataan.

Parungao said the firefight, which lasted for an hour, resulted to the death of one rebel, said to be a squad leader.

One soldier was wounded. He was immediately lifted by chopper to the army hospital in Camp Panacan. The wounded soldier, name withheld, is now in stable condition, Parungao said.

Government trooper recovered four high powered firearms, nine improvised explosive devices, one rifle grenade, electrical wires and blasting paraphernalia, five cellphones, one handheld radio, two binoculars, documents and other enemy personal belongings and food stuff.

The body of the slain rebel was brought by the troopers in the nearest local government unit.

Parungao personally set foot in the battle area to congratulate and boost the morale of his troops. “This is another significant progress in our efforts in reducing the manpower and equipage of our adversaries.

Brig. Gen. Reuben Basiao, the commander of 701st Infantry Brigade, said that government troopers are in the area to secure the communities from the harassment and extortion activities of NPAs.

“Troops are conducting community support program (CSP) and facilitate the delivery of basic services to the people together with other government agencies,” Basiao said.

http://mindanaotimes.net/rebel-killed-in-encounter/