3 rebels killed in clashes in Surigao del Norte, Western Samar

MANILA, Philippines - Three communist rebels were killed in separate encounters with government forces in Surigao del Norte and Northern Samar this week.

Maj. Christian Uy, spokesman of the Army’s 4th division, said two insurgents were slain in a clash with members of the 30th Infantry Battalion in Surigao del Norte last Thursday.

Soldiers were conducting patrols in Barangay Tagbuyawan in Mainit town when they encountered about 20 members of the New People’s Army (NPA) at around 6:45 a.m.

A 30-minute firefight then ensued, resulting in the death of two insurgents.

“The soldiers searched the area and found indications that the rebels suffered more casualties as evidenced by the bloodstains and personal belongings left by the fleeing rebels,” Uy said.

Recovered from the encounter site were an M653 rifle, an M14 rifle, an AK47, a cal. 22 rifle, 10 backpacks, a Yaesu handheld radio with charger, three improvised explosive devices, 20 meters detonating cord, 50 meters electrical wire, three empty bandoleers, three magazines for M14, a magazine for AR18, a magazine for AK47 loaded with 30 rounds of live ammunition, a sack of rice, two cooking pots, two gas stoves, assorted medical supplies, personal belongings and subversive documents.

“Bloodshed could have been avoided had the NPA rebels chosen to stop terrorizing innocent masses, return to the fold of the law, and work hand-in-hand with all stakeholders for the attainment of peace and prosperity in this part of the region,” said Lt. Col. Arsenio Sadural, chief of the Army’s 30th battalion.

Meanwhile, one NPA member was killed in another clash with Army troops in Catubig, Northern Samar last Wednesday.

In a report, Lt. Col. Rodrigo Illustrisimo, chief of the Army’s 34th battalion, said the gun battle transpired at 10:32 a.m. in Barangay Osang in Catubig town.

Patrolling soldiers were reportedly fired upon by about 15 insurgents, triggering a firefight that left one rebel dead. There were no reported casualties on the side of government troops.

Soldiers found an M14 rifle and two M14 rifle magazines with ammunition from the encounter site.

Maj. Gen. Jet Velarmino, commander of the Army’s 8th division, claimed that the recent encounters involving the NPA reflect the rebels’ dwindling mass base.

“It is now the people who pinpoint rebel hideouts which made it easier for our troops to track them down. We are now in a situation where rebels can run, but cannot hide,” he said.

There are about 4,000 communist fighters in the country based on recent military estimates.