Troopers capture NPA camp

MANILA, Philippines — Army troopers overran a New People’s Army (NPA) camp in the hinterlands of Mauban, Quezon on Friday afternoon.

The camp is located in the forested area of Barangay Abo Abo, according to Maj. Gen. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos, chief of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division (ID) based in Tanay, Rizal.

Citing reports submitted by Lt. Col. Jesus Diocton, commander of the Army’s 1st Infantry Battalion, Burgos said several insurgents were believed killed in heavy fighting that broke out before the military took control of the camp.

The camp, which belonged to the NPA’s Platun A1 led by a certain Ka Terno, has bunkers and can accommodate 25 to 30 individuals, Capt. Jayrald Ternio, spokesman for the 2nd ID, said.

Burgos said the troopers launch the assault before 2 p.m., forcing the around 15  insurgents to abandon the camp.

Military and police checkpoints have been set up in surrounding areas as well as in adjoining towns and villages to prevent the rebels from fleeing.