Kalinaw News: Government forces clash with NPAs thrice, recover firearm in Quezon

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 16, 2020): Government forces clash with NPAs thrice, recover firearm in Quezon



CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal – The government’s security forces recovered a rifle and war materials after three encounters in Macalelon, Quezon on Sunday, November 15.

This came after civilians tipped off information which led to a simultaneous encounter between elements of 85IB against 20 NPAs at Sitio Tugos, Brgy Olongtao Ilaya, and Sitio Tugos, Brgy San Nicolas of the said municipality, resulting in the recovery of one M653 with bandolier after a 5-minute and 15-minute intense firefight, respectively around 11:10 in the morning.

Four hours after, soldiers conducting pursuit operations encountered the fleeing rebels in Brgy San Nicolas, which resulted in a 30-minute firefight and the recovery of one hand grenade, a cellphone, and five backpacks left by the terrorists.

BGen Norwyn Romeo Tolentino, Commander of the 201Bde, confirmed that there was no casualty on the government forces.

“We are certain that these CNTs are now conducting more operations because they are also affected by the recent typhoons. Our fellowmen are more vulnerable now, but more than ever, we are committed in our oath to be of service to the people while we protect them from the harms of terrorism,” added Tolentino.

Per reports, the rebels are believed to be members of STRPC’s Platun Sol headed by alias Mitch, the same NPA unit that soldiers had previously encountered in Brgy Lahing of the same municipality four days ago.

MGen Greg T Almerol, Commander of 2ID, lauded the civilians for having the courage to stand up against terrorism.

“I condemn these terrorists for inducing warfare while people are suffering – that if not for them posturing threat to typhoon-hit victims amid calamities – our soldiers would have been focused on relief operations.”

“These NPA rebels claim that they are the soldiers of the poor, and yet here they are creating chaos to our people. These encounters prove that the terrorists do not think of anyone and anything else but their evil goals to end whatever unity we have in our country.”

He assured the citizens of Southern Tagalog that in close coordination with the local government units, troops are steadfast in our mandate to keep them safe and secure during these incredibly tough times.

All available military resources have been placed on high alert, and joint AFP-PNP checkpoints have been established in the area to support the ongoing pursuit operations.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/government-forces-clash-with-npas-thrice-recover-firearm-in-quezon/