One soldier killed in clash against NPA in Iloilo

By Ronron
March 26, 2007

A government soldier was killed in a recent clash with communist insurgents in Iloilo province, a military spokesman said Monday.

Philippine Army public information officer Maj. Ernesto Torres, Jr. said the encounter happened at around 11:30 am yesterday (Monday) at Barangay Sagcop, Lambunao town.

Torres said elements of the 47th Infantry Battalion, led by Staff Sergeant Buenvenito Trero, encountered an undetermined number of armed rebels for 30 minutes, claiming the life of Private First Class Norly Camilon.

“Initial report from troops in the encounter site proves that there are undetermined casualties from the enemy as indicated by bloodstains seen in the area of encounter,” Torres said.

The government troops recovered from the site one M16 rifle, one caliber 30 carbine rifle, one garand rifle, numerous magazines and ammunitions, Torres said.

Torres said helicopters from the 6th Tactical Operations Group of the Philippine Air Force flew at the encounter site to participate in the pursuit operations against the fleeing rebels.

“This is the first time in more than one year that the government troops were able to encounter the communist terrorists in Panay Island, specifically in the province of Iloilo,” Torres said.

The 7,100-strong NPA has been waging guerilla warfare in the countryside for almost four decades now. It will celebrate its 38th founding anniversary on March 29th.

The government is working on crushing the movement by 2010 when President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ends her term.

Peace talks with the communist party of the Philippines bogged down in August 2004 after the group was tagged as terrorist group by foreign governments like the United States and the European Union./DMS