Reported NPA bomb maker, another rebel slain in clashes

From the Mindanao Times (May 31): Reported NPA bomb maker, another rebel slain in clashes

AN ALLEGED bomb maker of the New People’s Army (NPA) and another member died during a series of clash against government troops of the 403rd Infantry Brigade in Barangay Banglay, Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental. 1Lt. Tere Ingente, spokesperson of 4th Infantry division, said the first encounter took place around 9 a.m. of May 27 against 30 communist rebels belonging to the Guerrilla Front 4B of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).

Ingente said the clash lasted for about 25 minutes, resulting in the death of two NPAs. Two AK-47 rifles and an M16 rifle was also found at the scene.

Ingente identified one of them as Odelo Compas also known as alias Sapayanan, a functional staff of the explosives/ordnance and production of the NPA.

“The identity of the other dead NPA member is yet to be determined,” she added.

As the troops continued to chase the rebels, another 20-minute firefight erupted at 1:45 p.m pf the same day near Sitio Bayhutao of same barangay.

The encounter resulted in the wounding of a soldier who was evacuated to Camp Evangelista Station Hospital in Cagayan de Oro City at 10 a.m. on Tuesday. The wounded soldier is now in stable condition.

The troops also managed to overrun an enemy encampment with 20 makeshift bunkers that can accommodate 50 NPAs, recover one M203 grenade launcher, one 12-gauge shotgun, one M635 Carbine, one air gun, ammunition, sniper scope, and three backpacks with personal belongings and subversive documents.

Brig. Gen. Eric Vinoya, commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, congratulated the troops for their achievement. He also extended his sympathies to the families of the rebels who were killed in the clashes.

“It would have not resulted to this if only these terrorists heeded the call of the government to lay down their arms and go back to the folds of the law,” Vinoya said.

Maj. Gen. Ronald villanueva, the commander of 4th Infantry Division, said the “NPA terrorists are the reason why there are delays of development in the areas of Mindanao.”

“They are desperately recruiting people that will join their failed armed struggle by force, threat and intimidation,” Villanueva said.

The division commander said that Campos, being a functional staff for explosives/ordnance and production of Guerrilla Front 4B, was a bomb maker himself.

“He makes landmines and IEDs proving that the NPAs disrespect the International Humanitarian Law and are worthy to be called as terrorists.” the division commander added.

http://mindanaotimes.net/reported-npa-bomb-maker-another-rebel-slain-in-clashes/