Nolcom pursues rebels in 2nd week of gun battle

ANGELES CITY, Philippines – The Armed Forces Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) said yesterday 10 New People’s Army rebels have been killed in the ongoing running gun battle that started two weeks ago in the forests of Abra, the Mountain Province and Kalinga.

Nolcom, in a report sent to media, accused the NPA of using civilians as shields to protect themselves from pursuing soldiers.

It also blamed the death of 14 soldiers during the clashes on “dirty tactics” of the communist rebels.

“Government operations against ragtag groups of terrorists in Abra, Mountain Province and Kalinga became more intensified as 14 soldiers were killed and scores wounded as the rebels employed dirty tactics such as the use of prohibited landmines and civilians as shield against pursuing AFP troops,” Nolcom said.

Nolcom claimed at least 10 rebels have died, as it cited witnesses “attesting to heavy casualties suffered by the enemy in almost two-week clashes including 10 rebels who were dragged away by their fellow bandits.”

“They wanted to project that they survived unscathed from the series of encounters which is very unlikely considering the bloodstains in the routes of withdrawal,” Nolcom said.

No let-up in combat operations

Nolcom commander Maj. Gen. Ricardo David Jr., said “there will be no let-up in combat operations” and that the soldiers “have drawn inspiration from their fallen comrades who fought valiantly amid treacherous acts of the enemy.”

“Another big factor in the soldiers’ resolve to finish the fight is the overwhelming support they received from civilians who braved the odds just so they can help in tracking the whereabouts of the rebels who have tormented their lives for so long,” he said.

David said that despite the continuing armed clashes, the soldiers have been observing his directive to “avoid collateral damage and ensure that no civilians will be hurt in the crossfire.”

Nolcom noted that on Feb. 4, a large NPA encampment along the banks of a creek in Barangay Kili, Tubo, Abra was overran by elements of the 50th Infantry Battalion. The encampment had 31 makeshift huts which can accommodate 90 people, and had a dining facility and a classroom for new recruits.

In a forested area in Barangay Buneg, Lacub, also in Abra, intelligence operatives of the 503rd Infantry Brigade under Col. Essel Soriano found another arms cache of the NPA with the help of some civilians. Items recovered include hundreds of live ammunition, weapons accessories, electrical wires and electronic storage devices.

Surrendered

Nolcom also reported that last week, two NPA members identified as Gilbert Cardenas alias Jhonrey, and Ryan Teodoro alias Sherwin, both listed in the AFP Order of Battle and residents of Barangay Amtuagan, Tubo voluntarily surrendered at the headquarters of 503rd Infantry Brigade.

David said the provinces of Abra, Kalinga, Aurora, Bataan and Zambales are now “priority areas targeted for clearing” this year by the military.

Nolcom spokesperson Maj. Rosendo Armas also reported that on Sunday, four ranking Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA leaders operating in Isabela were arrested by joint elements of the military and police in Sitio Dibigin, Barangay Minanga, San Mariano, Isabela.

He identified them as Michael Eraña alias Poktong, Marlo Agustin alias Aki, Raffy Valencia alias Butch or Donald, and Junior Soria alias Manny. Items recovered from their possession include one .45 caliber pistol, five fragmentation grenades, explosives and wiring, four packs of dried marijuana in brick form, assorted goods, personal belongings and subversive documents with high intelligence value. – With Charlie Lagasca