2 soldiers hurt in Tapaz encounter

From Panay News (Sep 27, 2021): 2 soldiers hurt in Tapaz encounter (By Ruby Silubrico)

Sunday’s encounter in the mountainous area of Barangay Siya, Tapaz, Capiz landed two members of the Philippine Army’s 12th Infantry Battalion (12IB) in the hospital.

The 12IB withheld the names of the victims, but said they only sustained slight injuries.

Government troops and the New People’s Army (NPA) clashed around 6 a.m. while the former was conducting an operation.

The firefight lasted for 40 minutes. Around 10 rebels withdrew.

The “starving” rebels were reportedly extorting money from the residents.

Recovered from the encounter site were one rifle grenade; four ammunition of M203; 10 cellphones; six hard disk drives; one handheld radio; and subversive documents with high intelligence value.

The army troops believed the NPA suffered casualties. Traces of blood stains were seen on their withdrawal route.

The 3ID commanding general, Major General Benedict Arevalo was thankful for the vigilance and cooperation of the residents.

“We are grateful for the overwhelming support and trust of the Tapaznons who share with us the same vision of making Tapaz a rebel-free municipality,” Arevalo said.

He also commended the troops for preventing the extortion activities of the communist-terrorist group.

“Having casualties sometimes cannot be avoided. This is part of our job and the risk we have to face to sustain peace and security in hinterland barangays. The wounds and the pain we sustain from the battle are testaments to our sincerity in serving and securing the people,” Arevalo added.

https://www.panaynews.net/2-soldiers-hurt-in-tapaz-encounter/