2 NPA rebels killed, 2 captured in Surigao Norte clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 13, 2021): 2 NPA rebels killed, 2 captured in Surigao Norte clash (By Alexander Lopez)

RECOVERED. High-powered firearms with ammunition, an improvised explosive device, and backpacks were recovered by the Army’s 30th Infantry Battalion after a clash with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels on Monday afternoon (July 12, 2021) in Barangay Camboayon, Bacuag, Surigao del Norte. Two NPA rebels were killed during the clash while two others were captured. (Photo courtesy of 30IB).

Some two communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed while two others were captured in a clash with government troopers in Bacuag, Surigao del Norte on Monday afternoon.

In a statement Tuesday, the Army’s 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB) said a combat operation was launched on Monday to verify the reports of civilians on the presence of around 10 NPA terrorists in Pan-ukan, Barangay Camboayon in Bacuag town.

The reports said the rebels were led by Alberto Castañeda, alias 'JD' of the Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda 16C2 of the NPA's Guerilla Front 16.

“Upon reaching the place, the 30IB troopers engaged the NPA rebels in a 25-minute firefight,” the statement said.

The NPA rebels immediately retreated leaving behind their two dead comrades, the 30IB added.

A wounded rebel and another one were also captured by the soldiers after the skirmish.

Government troops also recovered from the encounter site one M4 Rifle Bushmaster L880555 with a magazine loaded with 20 live ammunition, a Carbine rifle with a magazine loaded with eight live ammunition, two shotguns, one improvised explosive device with blasting cap, one hand grenade, and four backpacks containing personal belongings.

“The bodies of the dead NPA rebels and the captured were properly handed over to authorities for identification and proper disposition. The wounded rebel was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment,” the 30IB said.

30IB commander, Lt. Col. Ryan Charles Callanta said the operation was immediately launched to prevent abuses and possible atrocities the NPA rebels may inflict on the civilians in the area.

“These terrorists were responsible in extortion activities targeting private individuals and small businesses,” Callanta said.

Brig. Gen. George Banzon, commander of 901st Infantry, lauded the 30IB troops for the prompt and deliberate action against the NPA terrorists and acknowledged the support of the local population in the area for providing timely information that led to the successful operation.

“Your contribution, particularly the timely information is very vital in our peace and security efforts. Our success in recent encounters manifests that cooperation of the community is a big factor in preventing the communist terrorist group (CTG) from doing their evil plan,” Banzon said.

The 901Bde commander also expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of NPA rebels who died during the encounter.

“The government is offering the best option for the remaining members of the CTG so that their lives will not be wasted because of senseless ideology,” Banzon said.

He also hopes the tragic death of the NPA rebels may serve as an urgent warning to the remaining insurgents in the area to lay down their arms and avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the government.

Pursuit operation is still ongoing in the area, the 30IB said.

The Communist Party of the Philippines- NPA is also listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1146877