3 communist rebels, 2 soldiers killed in 4 encounters

MANILA, Philippines - A total of three communist rebels and two soldiers were killed in four separate encounters in northern Luzon and Davao region, military reports said Wednesday.

Cpt. Ernest Carolina, spokesman of the Army’s 10th division, said a total of three bodies and 11 high-powered firearms were recovered by Army troops in clashes last Saturday and Tuesday in Davao del Sur.

The first two clashes between the 73rd Infantry Battalion and the New People’s Army (NPA) happened Saturday at around 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. in Barangay Kinangan in Malita town.

The clashes resulted in the death of a rebel identified by the alias “Renz” and the recovery of an M16 assault rifle, ammunition, and two backpacks.

Security forces conducted a follow-up operation three days after the two clashes, resulting in another firefight that left two NPA members dead and two others captured.

Carolina said the gun battle transpired around 2 p.m. in the same barangay. Killed during the clash were Mark Bryle Garduque alias “Brian” and a rebel only identified by the alias “Daniel.” Garduque is believe to be the platoon leader of the group.

The captured insurgents were identified as Ritchie Abrenica alias “Pedro” and Marilyn Magpatoc alias “Tonyang.”

“There is no sense in fighting with the use of arms, hence we are calling the remaining NPA members to stop the armed struggle and go back to the mainstream society and live in peace before it’s too late,” said Maj. Gen. Eduardo Año, chief of the Army’s 10th division.

Meanwhile, two soldiers were killed and three others were injured in an encounter with NPA members in Asipulo, Ifugao last Tuesday.

Lt. Col. Eddie Pilapil, chief of the 54th Infantry Battalion, said his troops were on their way to the site of a local road project when they chanced upon the insurgents.

“The fire fight lasted for almost an hour that resulted in the killing of two soldiers and wounding of three others,” he said.

The identities of the fatalities are being withheld pending notification of their families. 

The wounded soldiers who sustained shrapnel injuries were identified as 1Lt. Roland Carinan, Pfc. John Rye Discaya and Pfc. Raphy Anongos. They are now being treated at the Camp Melchor Dela Cruz Station Hospital.

Maj. Gen. Benito de Leon, chief of the Army’s 5th division, said they remain committed to protecting their communities despite their casualties.