7 ‘communists’ slain in N. Samar clash

MANILA, Philippines — Seven suspected New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas were killed following an encounter with government security forces in Northern Samar yesterday morning, according to the military.

The firefight also resulted in the seizure of four firearms including an AK-47, R4 and two M-16 rifles as well as bomb paraphernalia and subversive documents.

Reports said that police officers and soldiers from the Army’s 803rd Brigade were conducting patrol in the hinterlands of Barangay Santander when they encountered around 40 armed men.

The men reportedly belonged to the NPA’s Sub-Regional Guerrilla Unit as well as remnants of the dismantled Front Committee 2 Sub-Regional Committee Emporium of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee led by Mario Sevillano, alias Durok.

The rebels’ heavily fortified camp and the improvised explosive devices planted around the area prompted government forces to use air and artillery support during the firefight.

The rebels retreated, leaving behind their dead comrades, who have yet to be identified.

Clearing operations at the scene of the encounter were ongoing as of yesterday afternoon.

Maj. Gen. Camilo Ligayo, commander of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Storm, attributed the success of the operation to the military’s campaign to clear communities, especially remote barangays of the presence of communist rebels.

“Last year, we cleared areas under the control of the NPA’s Front Committee 2 and dismantled the movement. With the help of local officials, residents of Northern Samar now understand their responsibility in helping solve the insurgency problem,” Ligayo said.

He urged the remaining members of the “CNTs or communist NPA terrorists” to surrender and return to their families.

“The government is willing to help you start a normal life,” Ligayo said.

Meanwhile, another suspected NPA guerrilla was killed while his companion was arrested following an encounter in Canlaon, Negros Oriental on Friday.

The Army identified the fatality as Anthony Curson, alias Miguel, and his companion as Leonido Montero, alias Lanie Dindo.

Troopers recovered two pistols, ammunition and bags together with Curson’s remains at the scene of the firefight that occurred in Sitio Malatanglad in Barangay Budlasan.

Lt. Col. William Pesase, commander of the Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion, said Montero has pending arrest warrants for murder and illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

No bail was recommended for Montero’s provisional liberty, Pesase said. — Gilbert Bayoran