NOLCOM: Army troops and NPA rebels clash in Ilocos Sur

Posted to the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) Facebook Page (Aug 8, 2020): Army troops and NPA rebels clash in Ilocos Sur

PRESS RELEASE Date: Aug 08, 2020

ARMY TROOPS AND NPA REBELS CLASH IN ILOCOS SUR

Camp Aquino, Tarlac City- Troops of the 702ND Infantry Brigade (702IBde) while conducting security patrol in the vicinity of Brgy. Suagayan, Sta. Lucia City, Ilocos Sur encountered armed elements of Komiteng Larangang Gerilya-South Ilocos (KLG-SIS) led by terrorist leader alias “NERO” around 2:00 pm today, August 08, 2020.

Reports made by concerned citizens about the presence of an armed group lurking in their communities prompted the army to conduct security patrol.

The said incident is still progressing and the public is advised to be more vigilant of their surroundings and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.

Two (2) NPA rebels died from the incident, one soldier was killed in action. Ambulances were already directed to the area to transfer the casualties to the hospital.

Ilocos Sur’s recent proclamation of Communist NPA Rebels as Persona-Non-Grata in their province has resulted in a major weakening of the Communist NPA rebels in the area.

Commander of Northern Luzon Command, LTGEN RAMIRO MANUEL A REY, instructed the units involved to tighten their security and intensify the focused military operation on the area. He also said “Even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, we assure the people that we will not stop performing our mandated task of securing the safety and well-being of our people”

“These Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) are now in despair as more and more people withdraw their support to their cause. They are now pushed to a corner as our gains to winning peace continue to grow”, he added.

LtGen Rey also commended, the 7th Infantry Division headed by Major General Alfredo V Rosario Jr. for their relentless efforts in mitigating the threats by the CTGs even amidst the lashing of COVID-19.

702nd IBde Commander, Brigadier General Audrey L. Pasia is personally overseeing the operations in the area as they intensify their campaign against these Communist Terrorist Groups.

NOLCOM with its units will continue to pursue the remnants of this CTGs. The continuous support from the local communities will keep the communist NPA terrorists on the run preventing them to conduct hostile and terroristic plans against our people.

Authenticated by: MAJ ERICSON C BULOSAN (INF) PA
Spokesperson, NOLCOM, AFP

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