From Panay News (Dec 2, 2021): PREEMPTIVE STRIKE; Gov’t troops overrun NPA Miag-ao camp; 16 killed (By Ruby Silubrico)
AREVALOTo prevent an alleged plan of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels to attack a military patrol base in the municipality of Miag-ao, the Philippine Army launched a preemptive strike on a rebel encampment in the town’s hinterland sitio of Burak in Barangay Alimodias beginning 6 a.m. yesterday.
Sixteen suspected rebels were killed, according to Major General Benedict Arevalo, commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division, last night. This was double the eight casualties initially reported.
High-powered firearms were also seized.
Troops of the 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB, under the 301st Infantry Brigade) and 33rd Division Reconnaissance Company led the assault bolstered by air support using FA50 fighter jets.
The clash lasted for several hours after which the government troops recovered eight bodies and seized three M16 rifles, an AK47 rifle, four anti-personnel mines, three detonators, a projector, subversive documents with high intelligence value, and assorted personal belongings.
The Army launched the attack after being informed by residents that rebels – believed to be members of the NPA Suyak, Sentro de Grabedad (SDG) Platoon, Southern Front (SF)-Panay – were consolidating in Sitio Burak and planning to attack Army patrol bases in line with the anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines on Dec. 26.
“We are determined to employ all of our military assets to wipe the communist terrorists out from the communities,” said Arevalo.
As the encounter ensued, Army troops discovered that the rebels’ lair was surrounded with anti-personnel mines.
“With the people on our side, we are committed to persistently press the communist-terrorists on the brink of downfall to end their decades-long cruelty,” said Arevalo.
No government troops were killed or injured in the operation yesterday.
Brigadier General Marion Sison, commander of the 301st Infantry Brigade, cited the residents of Barangay Alimodias for alerting the Army and providing timely information.
“The cooperation of every stakeholder is vital to preventing the terror plans of the communist-terrorists,” he said.
Sison urged the rebels “to return to the government fold and stop being used as instruments of terror by their deceptive leaders.”
“Abandon the senseless armed struggle which has victimized innocent civilians. Live peaceful lives together with your families and loved ones,” Sison added.
The overrun NPA camp had an estimated 70 cadres.
“They were in a meeting para planohan ang kanilang attack sa government forces. I believed it was a general meeting,” said Arevalo.
They ran for their lives when government troops launched the attack, he said.
Arevalo believed more rebels died or were injured.
“Kung hindi mag-surrender, tatlo lang ang sasapitin nila: mahuli, makulong o mamatay sa engkwentro. I urge them to surrender now,” said Arevalo.
https://www.panaynews.net/preemptive-strike-govt-troops-overrun-npa-miag-ao-camp-16-killed/
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