NPA rebel killed, landmines seized in Eastern Samar clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 2, 2021): NPA rebel killed, landmines seized in Eastern Samar clash (By Sarwell Meniano)

SEIZED. Some of the war materiel seized by the Philippine Army from the New People's Army (NPA) in the upland village of Borongan, Eastern Samar after a gun battle on Sunday (August 1, 2021). The clash also left one NPA rebel killed. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

A New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was killed while anti-personnel mines were seized during a clash between government troops and the communist group in the outskirts of Borongan City, Eastern Samar on Sunday.

The Philippine Army’s 78th Infantry Battalion (78IB) reported on Monday that soldiers were patrolling the hinterland village of San Andres when they encountered a band of armed rebels around 8 a.m Sunday.

“A 35-minute firefight ensued between the Army and communist terrorists that resulted in one slain NPA member while there is no casualty on the government side,” the Army said in a statement.

The military heightened their presence in the community acting on complaints of farmers about extortion activities by the rebels involving threat and intimidation.

Among the seized materiel after the gun battle are one M16 rifle with one long magazine and ammunition, anti-personnel mines, detonator, rifle grenades, one magazine and ammunition of AK-47, subversive documents, backpacks, and rebel’s personal belongings.

The military also discovered small NPA lairs early Sunday before the clash.

Lt. Col. Oliver Alvior, commander of the Army’s 78IB, has expressed grief over the loss of life “because of a fraudulent and worthless ideology peddled by the NPA terrorists.”

“I extend my most profound sympathy to the family of the slain rebel. Rest assured that he will be given a decent burial through the help of the city government of Borongan”, said Alvior.

“We call the rebels still fighting for their futile ideologies to overthrow the government. We strongly urge you to lay down your arms and submit yourselves to the government before needless bloodshed happens. Your families are waiting for you to live a peaceful life with them,” Alvior added.

The CPP-NPA, which has been waging a five-decade armed conflict against the government, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1149029