Two NPA’s killed in clash with soldiers in Mindoro Oriental

By Ronron
July 19, 2007

Two suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in a clash Thursday with government troops in Mindoro Oriental province, a military spokesman said.

According to Lt. Col. Rhoderick Parayno, spokesman of the Armed Forces Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM), the encounter happened at around 9:25 am at Barangay Lower Pag-asa in Bansud town, and lasted for about 15 minutes.

He said the engaged troops were members of a platoon from the Philippine Army’s 68th Infantry Battalion while the number of the communist rebels is undetermined. But the government troops were later joined by elements from the 21st Reconnaissance Company.

Parayno said the clash began when elements of the 68th IB responded to reports about the presence of NPA rebels in Bansud.

“There are CAFGU’s being trained in Bansud right now and the NPA’s went near the area, hoping to dissuade (the trainees) from joining the AFP. Civilians saw them, prompting the report to government troops,” Parayno said in a text message.

Parayno identified the slain rebels as Ka Oman and Ka Aycon, both members of the Platoon Guerilla of Islacom CPP/NPA Mindoro. Hospitals in Bansud and its neighboring towns are now being checked for possible presence of injured rebels.

Government troops recovered from the insurgents two M14 and one M16 rifles, said Parayno.

Parayno said Lt. Gen. Alexander Yano, SOLCOM chief, both congratulated the soldiers and reminded them to maintain good relationship with the people because it is a key to defeating the NPA.

The 7,100-strong NPA has been waging guerilla warfare in the countryside in the last 38 years and peace talks with the movement remains bogged after it was tagged as terrorist by foreign governments in 2004.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has ordered the military and police to crush the movement by 2010 when she ends her term./DMS