Troops, NPA clash in Albay

MANILA, Philippines - Soldiers involved in peace and development projects were harassed last Wednesday by members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Guinobatan, Albay.

Army reports said an undetermined number of rebels harassed a team from the 2nd battalion in Sitio Danao, Barangay Ongo at about 6:15 a.m., resulting in a firefight.

Government troops did not suffer casualties during the clash, which lasted for a minute. The military, however, did not determine whether the insurgents sustained casualties.

Lt. Col. Medel Aguilar, spokesman of the Army’s 9th division, said all development teams have been alerted for possible retaliation by the rebels.

“The harassment launched by the NPA accomplished nothing but disturbed the peace which the people enjoy in Sitio Danao,” he said.

The attack took place more than a week after five soldiers performing development projects were kidnapped by NPA members in Paquibato district in Davao City.

Abducted were Cpl. Emmanuel Quezon, Pfcs. Ronald Gura, Bernie Padilla, and Donato Estandia and Pvt. Marteniano Pasiagas Jr.

The kidnapped soldiers were reportedly unarmed and were in civilian attire. Military forces in Davao are now conducting operations against the abductors.