Gov’t troops, rebels clash in Lambunao

From Panay News (Jul 1, 2022): Gov’t troops, rebels clash in Lambunao (By Ruby P. Silubrico)

Troops of the Philippine Army’s 82nd Infantry (Bantay Laya) Battalion and New People’s Army (NPA) rebels clashed in Sitio Barangbang, Barangay Cabatangan, Lambunao, Iloilo.

The soldiers were in the barangay in response to tips from residents about the presence of armed men in their community.

The short encounter happened at around 3:20 p.m. on June 28. The exchange of fire lasted for some five minutes.

According to Captain Kim Apitong, spokesperson of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID), there were around eight rebels and they were like members of the NPA Central Front, Komiteng-Rehiyon Panay.

There were no casualties or injuries on the government side. It was unclear if there were such on the rebels who retreated deep into the mountains.

This was the second encounter between government troops and rebels in a week. Soldiers were able to recover one M203 grenade launcher, 22 ammunition for M16 rifle, a backpack, a kilo of rice, rice pot, five pairs black sandals, four empty plastic containers, subversive documents, and personal belongings.

“The Army’s 3ID strengthened its intensive and persistent Focused Military Operations (FMO) to deter rebels from launching atrocities,” Apitong said.

On June 21, personnel of the 61st Infantry Battalion and the NPA’s Sibat Platoon, Komiting Rehiyon Panay had an encounter in Barangay Danao, Leon town.

The exchange of fire erupted at around 3:30 p.m. There were seven armed insurgents.

There were no casualties.

Major General Benedict Arevalo, 3ID commander, said the cooperation and support of the local populace to the Army preventing the rebels’ extortion activities and atrocities.

https://www.panaynews.net/govt-troops-rebels-clash-in-lambunao/