Army-NPA encounter leaves 3 NPA dead, firearms recovered

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 14, 2019): Army-NPA encounter leaves 3 NPA dead, firearms recovered



LAS NAVAS, Northern Samar - At least three communist NPA terrorists were killed in a firefight between troops of the 81st Division Reconnaissance Company and the NPA in Barangay Sag-od, Las Navas, Northern Samar on October 12, 2019, a report from a top-ranking military official stated.

One fatality was left in the scene of encounter while the remaining two and many others wounded were carried by the fleeing terrorists as reported by the civilians.

The slain NPAs were identified as Ricky Torzido, Jary Tolling Alias Baba and Danilo Olango Alias Bondat.

The troops proceeded to the area in response to reports from the residents of Brgy. Sag-od and as an offshoot to the revelation of Edwin Piczon Alias Bonay and Anton Mañoso Alias Tito, both members of NPA’s Yunit Milisya from Hinagonoyan, Catubig, Northern Samar, and Rey Christian Sabado Alias Nadz/Ali (Chanchan), the deputy secretary for Education of FC2, SRC EMPORIUM.

To recall, Chanchan, Bonay and Tito were apprehended by the operating troops of the Army’s 20th Infantry Battalion on October 3, 2019 in the vicinity of Brgy. San Francisco, Las Navas, Northern Samar.

Local residents have been complaining about the rampant extortion activities and NPA encampment along Brgys. San Isidro, Epaw, San Jose, Sagod complex, all of Las Navas, Northern Samar.

The revelations of concerned citizens were corroborated by Chanchan, Bonay and Tito. They further revealed the names of politicians, government employees and barangay officials, particularly in Las Navas, who are in cahoots with the communist terrorist groups.

The following are the recovered war materials in the encounter site: one (1) Cal 5.56mm Colt M16 rifle with serial number 022151, one (1) Cal 5.56mm Bushmaster rifle with serial number L550746, one (1) Cal 7.62mm M14 rifle with serial number 1420497, one (1) Bandolier, two (2) long fully loaded magazines for M16, one (1) long empty magazine for M16, two (2) fully loaded magazines for M14, one (1) First Aid Kit, one (1) Flashlight, one (1) sling bag and other personal belongings.

The body of the slain NPA was turned over by the operating troops of 20th Infantry Battalion to the barangay officials of Brgy. Sag-od, Las Navas, Northern Samar.

Lieutenant Colonel Juan Gullem, 20th Infantry Battalion commander, lauded the troops for the successful pursuit operation against the NPAs who terrorize and disturb the lives of the affected civilian community.

“It is unfortunate that fellow Filipinos are being killed because of the propaganda, lies and deception of the communist terrorist groups. Your Army in Northern Samar is committed to address any armed group threatening the safety and well-being of our people.”

“I therefore, call on the NPAs in Las Navas, and in Northern Samar in general, to lay down their arms while there is still time and live a peaceful life in the company of their family and loved ones,” Lt Col Gullem said.

“We assure the NPAs of their safety and extend our arms for any assistance should they opt to return to the folds of the law,” he added.

The leadership of 20IB also enjoined the stakeholders and civilian partners to continue working hand in hand towards the attainment of just and lasting peace, and sustainable development in this part of Northern Samar. (PIA 8)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1028645