Soldiers retrieve remains of NPA rebel in Masbate

From Malaya Business Insight (Aug 6): Soldiers retrieve remains of NPA rebel in Masbate

GOVERNMENT forces have retrieved the body of a slain New People’s Army (NPA) rebel during clearing operations at a clash site between government forces and the insurgents in Masbate. 

Capt. Joash Pramis, spokesman of the Army’s 9th Infantry Division, said the body of the still unidentified rebel was found at barangay Daan Mactan in Cawayan town in Masbate at around 9:40 a.m. on Saturday.

Pramis said an encounter between forces of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Battalion and NPA rebels occurred at the site on Friday, where two government troops died and four others were injured. 

“The unidentified male cadaver suffered gunshot wound and was wearing a black sweatshirt, camouflage jogging pants and gloves,” said Pramis of the body which was turned over to the local police.

Earlier reports said the clash occurred on Friday morning in barangay Daan Mactan while soldiers and militiamen were conducting a security patrol against communist rebels monitored in the area.

The 20-minute firefight left two militiamen dead and three other militiamen and an Army team leader wounded. The military had said bloodstains were seen in the rebel position, indicating they likewise suffered casualties.

Meanwhile in Isabela, troops from the Army’s 86th Infantry Battalion clashed with a group of NPA rebels in barangay Dicamay 2 in Jones town at around 7:35 a.m. Saturday, said Lt. Col. Isagani Nato, spokesman of the AFP’s Northern Luzon Command.

Nato said the soldiers were on combat operation when they clashed with a still undetermined number of rebels. No one was reported killed or injured on both sides during the 30-minute clash.

In Ifugao, Lt.  Col. Narciso Nabulneg, commander of the Army’s 54th Infantry Battalion, said 20 NPA supporters surrendered to the military on Saturday during a peace caravan in barangay Namal in Asipulo town.

Nabulneg said the group turned over an M16 rifle during their surrender.

“These 20 personalities were long-time supporters of the enemy that played a vital role in the survival of the CNT (CPP-NPA Terrorist) group, and by having them in our side, we can now paralyze the enemy activities in their traditional abode,” Nabulneg said.

The peace caravan was launched by the local government in coordination with the military. It was attended by residents, tribal leaders, youths, local government personnel, soldiers and policemen.

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