AFP Thwarts NPA Extortion in Albay; 2 Rebels Killed, Firearms Recovered in Encounter

From the Citizens' Anti-Crime and Terrorism Information and Operation Network (Jul 16):  AFP Thwarts NPA Extortion in Albay; 2 Rebels Killed, Firearms Recovered in Encounter


 
CAMP GENERAL EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City – Responding to reports from concerned civilians, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) troops launched security operations against New People’s Army (NPA) rebels conducting extortion activities in Albay, Bicol, today.

... About 6:45 this morning, Army troopers of Bravo Company, 2nd Infantry Battalion led by 1Lt. Roger Vilano clashed with more or less six NPAs in Brgy. Badbad, Oas, Albay. Lt. Col. Andrew D. Costelo, Battalion Commander said "our troops were on security patrol when we received a report from a concerned citizen that NPA members were sighted on the area conducting extortion activities.”

“The troops immediately proceeded to verify the report and secure the civilians when the NPAs open fired at them,” Costelo added.

Firefight lasted for five minutes which resulted to the death of two NPA members known only as alias Dennis, team leader of the rebels and alias Peter. The encounter also resulted to the recovery of two M16 rifles, bandoleers, and personal belongings. The enemy withdrew heading towards Brgy. Mayag and Matara, both of Oas, Albay.

A company from the 2IB proceeded in the area to closely supervise the incident. No casualty from the AFP troops was reported while civilians were successfully kept safe and unharmed.

The Philippine National Police – Scene of the Crime Operatives already coordinated with the Army’s 2IB for the conduct of investigation and documentation.

"We want to settle this in a peaceful manner however, the Army is mandated to safeguard the peace and protect the people from internal threat groups. We are reaching out to them to abandon the armed struggle and return to the mainstream of society and live a normal life like many of their comrades did. The AFP is sincere and the government will accept and help them," said Col Raul Farnacio, 901st Brigade Commander. (PR, PAO-AFP)
— with Jun Alcoversecondacct.

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