Five members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed during a series of clashes with government troops in Calinog, Iloilo Thursday, Aug. 8.
The three consecutive encounters between the 12th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army and members of the Regional Headquarters and Central Front, Komiteng-Rehiyon Panay of the NPA in Barangay Aglonok also resulted in the recovery of two M16 rifles, a grenade launcher, two ammunition for M203, one anti-personnel mine and subversive documents.
Those killed were believed to be the groups’ fleeing members who clashed with government troops in the same village on Aug. 5. One NPA political officer died in that encounter.
“These decisive combat operations will continue until we dismantle the last remaining guerrilla front of the CTG (communist terrorist group) in Panay. Dismantling the Central Front is part of our effort to create a zone of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) for all Panaynons,” 3rd Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Marion Sison said in a statement on Friday, Aug. 9.
The five bodies are still in the encounter site as of posting time as thick clouds and heavy rains prevented the Army chopper from landing.Perla Lena/PNA
