Huge NPA camp overrun in Aurora; 2 rebels killed

DINALOGAN, Aurora — At least two guerrillas of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed as they and their comrades, numbering at least 40, tried to defend their biggest camp at the northern part of this province from being overtaken by Army soldiers yesterday morning.

Maj. Gen. Alberto Braganza, commanding general of the Army’s 7th Infantry Division, cited reports that the exchange of gunfire started at about 7:15 a.m. yesterday as elements of the 7th Scout Ranger Company and the 702nd Infantry Brigade raided the NPA camp in Sitio Inipit in Barangay Simbahan here after a month of planning and intelligence work.

"The clash lasted for about an hour. There were no casualties on the government side, but bloodstains in the abandoned positions of the rebels indicated there were casualties on the enemy side," said Col. Jovenal Narcise, commander of the 702nd IB.

The military later intercepted radio messages from the rebels that at least two of their comrades were instantly killed in the firefight.

Narcise said the NPA commemorated their anniversary, codenamed "KLG Davao," at the camp last Dec. 26. One of those who attended the event was Andres Friginal, alias Ka Ping, the NPA leader in the area, he said.

The fleeing rebels left behind two M -6 rifles, 10 jungle backpacks and one handheld radio.

Narcise said the NPA guerrillas based at the camp were the ones who burned down the power stations of the Diapitan Resource Development Corp. in Dilasag, Aurora last November and the 20 trucks of the Pateco logging firm in Dimalapigue, Isabela last Dec. 2.