2 killed, 4 hurt in Samar, Kalinga NPA encounters

From the Manila Times (Dec 24): 2 killed, 4 hurt in Samar, Kalinga NPA encounters

Four days before the 50th anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), separate encounters between government forces and New People’s Army (NPA) rebels resulted in the killing of a Philippine Army soldier in Las Navas, Northern Samar and an active member of the auxiliary force in Kalinga province, while four others were wounded, including two rebels.

Capt. Francis Agno, chief of the civil military operations and spokesman for the 8th Infantry Division based in Camp Lukban, Maulong, Catbalogan City, told The Manila Times that a squad of soldiers led by Cpl. Cabanero of the 20th Infantry Battalion (20IB) was patrolling along Barangay Capotoan in Las Navas town when they encountered about 30 rebels at about 8:30 a.m. on Saturday.

Killed in action was Private First Class Alvin Avila while wounded were Privates Ivan Anthony Ignao and Michael Ocasla.

Agno said the rebels also attacked the reinforcement troops under Lt. Latuga that rescued the wounded soldiers.

The wounded were brought to Catarman Hospital for treatment while the slain soldier was brought to the 803rd Brigade headquarters based in Camp Somoroy in Catarman.

Lt. Col. Noli Lapizar, commanding officer of the 20IB based in San Jorge, Las Navas town ordered his men to intensify their combat operations even during Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

Earlier, an encounter also happened in Barangay Hinatad, Catarman town where four soldiers and two civilians were wounded.

Attack on Cafgu base

 In Kalingan, an active member of the Army’s auxiliary force was killed after about 30 NPA members attacked a Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit patrol base in Barangay Western Uma, Lubuagan town on Sunday.

Maj. Ericson Bulosan, of the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) public information office, said also wounded were at least two NPA rebels who were seen being carried along bloodied by their comrades.

He said the indiscriminate attack of the NPA is deplorable as it was perpetrated while the people in the community were preparing for their Christmas celebration.

“This only manifests the rebel groups’ disregard of the welfare and well-being of the people,” Bulosan said, adding that the CPP and the NPA broke their own vow of a unilateral ceasefire for the yuletide season.

Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Salamat, Nolcom commander, had issued a reminder for all troops to be more vigilant this holiday season when people in remote areas are more vulnerable to attacks of the terrorist groups.

Salamat said Nolcom would continue to pursue and persistently conduct focused military operations to target terrorist groups and prevent them from performing hostile activities that hinder the peace, development and security in Northern and Central Luzon.

Meanwhile, the 503rd Infantry Brigade was placed on heightened alert and currently conducting combat and pursuit operations against the fleeing NPA.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2-killed-4-hurt-in-samar-kalinga-npa-encounters/487117/