Soldiers overrun NPA camp

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines —  Army soldiers yesterday overran an alleged camp of the New People’s Army (NPA) and seized several high-powered firearms following a firefight in Bindoy, Negros Oriental.

The firefight in Sitio Mansuluway in Barangay Cabcaban lasted five minutes, according to 1Lt. Ma. Allein Veluz, operations officer of the Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion.

Veluz said the troopers seized from the camp three rifles, a sack of rice, subversive documents, medical kit, hammocks and pairs of rain boots. The camp can accomodate 20 persons.

Pursuing soldiers found traces of blood along the rebels’ escape routes.

Brig. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, chief of the Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade, said there  would be no letup in their campaign against the rebels.

Arevalo said his men have been ordered to stay alert and to prevent politicians from using the NPA as their private goons, especially during the election period.