Army encounters NPA anew in Iloilo, one soldier wounded TUBUNGAN, Iloilo – One soldier was wounded following an encounter between the government forces and NPA rebels at Sitio Cadinglian, Brgy Buloc, Tubungan, Iloilo at 3:10 p.m. Friday September 19. Lt. Col. Aldwine Almase, Commanding Officer of 82nd Infantry Battalion said that his troops were conducting security operations in said village when they were fired upon by more or less thirty (30) lawless armed elements believed to be members of the CPP-NPA’s Southern Front, Komiteng Rehiyonal-Panay. “Our troops engaged the NPA bandits which resulted to the wounding of one of our soldiers. The NPA withdrew in disarray to different directions after thirty (30) minutes of firefight,” said Almase. Wounded in the encounter is Private First Class Ronald Apiladas who was hit on his lower left extremities and left hip. The troops scoured the scene of encounter and recovered kitchen utensils, food stuff and personal belonging. Blood stains were seen along the NPA’s withdrawal routes believed to be those of several wounded NPA members. Almase added that “We already identified their (NPA’s) lairs and they are now on the run. We call on those rebels to lay down their arms peacefully, be given proper medication and we ensure them that their rights will be respected.” Prior to encounter, residents of said barangay reported to the Army personnel about the presence of lawless armed elements that are trying to recruit the youth to join their movement and are extorting from the populace. Major Greneral Rey Leonardo Guerrero, Commander of Army’s 3rd Infantry Division lauded the troops of 82IB for ensuring the safety and security of the populace in the southern part of Iloilo province. Friday’s encounter in Tubungan occurred two days after the troops of 82IB seized a large camp in Igbaras, Iloilo following a brief encounter with the NPA. Recovered in NPA encampment were training paraphernalia and several wires of improvised explosive devices or landmines used by the NPA on their atrocious activities. Guerrero said, “We will not let these armed groups deprive the desire of our people to have peaceful and developed communities. We will continue in our efforts together with the stakeholders and work even more through “Bayanihan” in bringing peace and development and the necessary services to the people especially in the remote villages.” “We call on the CPP-NPA to end the armed struggle and talk with us peacefully. The issues in our society are being addressed through “Bayanihan” and we cannot move on if we keep on fighting. We need to go back to the peace negotiating table to finally put an end to the insurgency problem of our country,” added Guerrero Additional troops are now in the area conducting pursuit operations to run after the fleeing rebels. Likewise, troops of 82IB are in close communication with the barangay officials to ensure the safety and security of the residents in the area.
Posted on: Tue, 23 Sep 2014 01:53:17 +0000
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