GAMU, Isabela, Feb. 20 (PIA) - - Three members of the New Peoples’ Army (NPA) operating in Northern Isabela died while three others were saved in a bloody encounter with the troops of the 502nd Infantry Brigade (502IB) and the 95th Infantry Battalion (95IB) in the forested zone of Barangay Rang-ayan, Ilagan City, this province.
Soldiers bring down killed NPA members in an encounter in Ilagan City, Isabela. (by 5ID)
Lieutenant Colonel Gladiuz C. Calilan, battalion commander of the 95IB, said the rebels were positively identified by their former comrades, who earlier surrendered, as members of the Central Front and Regional Sentro De-Grabidad of the Komiteng Rehiyong - Cagayan Valley.
He said some community folk revealed to the soldiers during the conduct of Community Support Program (CSP) that there are NPAs who are threatening them and conducting extortion activities.
“We convinced them to surrender but they instead they engaged in a firefight with our troops which resulted to the death of the three of them and the recovery of M16 assault rifle, three caliber 45 and ammonitions,” Calilan said.
Two of the killed NPA members who were identified as “AKA Bobby” and “AKA Princess (male)” were high ranking officials of their group serving as squad leader, team leader and medical officer.
One of the saved NPA member was identified as “AKA Jimboy”, a 16 years old Aeta while the two others were identified as “AKA Leslie” and “AKA Alvin” who were also serving as supply officer and team leader.
“This proves that the communist terrorist groups continue to use child warriors in combat and they don’t respect human rights,” Calilan added.
In an interview with the IP minor, he expressed his gratitude to the soldiers for saving him from the bloody encounter and able to bring him out from the terrorist groups.
Lieutenant Colonel Gladiuz C. Calilan, battalion commander of the 95IB, said the rebels were positively identified by their former comrades, who earlier surrendered, as members of the Central Front and Regional Sentro De-Grabidad of the Komiteng Rehiyong - Cagayan Valley.
He said some community folk revealed to the soldiers during the conduct of Community Support Program (CSP) that there are NPAs who are threatening them and conducting extortion activities.
“We convinced them to surrender but they instead they engaged in a firefight with our troops which resulted to the death of the three of them and the recovery of M16 assault rifle, three caliber 45 and ammonitions,” Calilan said.
Two of the killed NPA members who were identified as “AKA Bobby” and “AKA Princess (male)” were high ranking officials of their group serving as squad leader, team leader and medical officer.
One of the saved NPA member was identified as “AKA Jimboy”, a 16 years old Aeta while the two others were identified as “AKA Leslie” and “AKA Alvin” who were also serving as supply officer and team leader.
“This proves that the communist terrorist groups continue to use child warriors in combat and they don’t respect human rights,” Calilan added.
In an interview with the IP minor, he expressed his gratitude to the soldiers for saving him from the bloody encounter and able to bring him out from the terrorist groups.
3 members of the New Peoples' Army were killed in a bloody encounter with the AFP. (by 5ID)
He also narrated the hardships he experienced with the rebel groups as he was made an errand.
On his part, Brigadier General Laurence E.Mina, commander of the 502 Brigade, vowed to further intensify joint Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police law enforcement and focused military operations to eliminate insurgency in the region.
Meanwhile, Major General Pablo M. Lorenzo, commander of the 5th Infantry Division, with the help of the community, is optimistic that peace and security will be achieved.
“We will not stop running after the rebels. The soldiers will continue to fight against terrorism to achieve lasting peace and development in our communities,” Lorenzo said.
He further urged remaining NPA members to surrender to enjoy and avail of government programs intended for them and live a productive and peaceful lives in the mainstream society. (MDCT/OTB/PIA 2-Cagayan with reports from Maj. Noriel Tayaban)
He also narrated the hardships he experienced with the rebel groups as he was made an errand.
On his part, Brigadier General Laurence E.Mina, commander of the 502 Brigade, vowed to further intensify joint Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police law enforcement and focused military operations to eliminate insurgency in the region.
Meanwhile, Major General Pablo M. Lorenzo, commander of the 5th Infantry Division, with the help of the community, is optimistic that peace and security will be achieved.
“We will not stop running after the rebels. The soldiers will continue to fight against terrorism to achieve lasting peace and development in our communities,” Lorenzo said.
He further urged remaining NPA members to surrender to enjoy and avail of government programs intended for them and live a productive and peaceful lives in the mainstream society. (MDCT/OTB/PIA 2-Cagayan with reports from Maj. Noriel Tayaban)
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