NPA member killed, firearm seized in CamSur clash —military

A member of communist New People's Army was killed and a high-powered firearm seized in a clash on Saturday morning in Camarines Sur, the military said.

In a press statement, the military said that the gun battle  broke out at about 3:10 a.m. in the hinterlands of Barangay San Vicente Norte, Iriga City.

Acting on a tip by residents about the presence of the NPA in the area, combined elements of 49th Infantry Battalion (49IB) and Philippine National Police proceeded to the area to verify. 

A 15-minute gun battle ensued, leaving one NPA guerrilla dead. 

Security forces recovered from the clash site an M16 rifle, materials used for making anti-personnel mines, propaganda materials, and personal belongings.

Lt. Col. Benjamin Tapnio, Battatlion Commander of 49IB, thanked the residents for the timely information given to them.

On the other hand, Col. Jaime Abawag Jr., Brigade Commander of 902nd Infantry Brigade urged the families of the remaining communist rebels to step forward and convince their relatives to return to the fold of the law.

Meanwhile, Major Gen. Henry Robinson, Jr. (PA), Commander of Joint Task Force (JTF) Bicolandia, stressed that the intensified operations of security forces against the communist rebels are relentless.

Earlier this week, an NPA hideout composed of 23 huts, a training site, and bomb-making area was overran by government troops in Masbate due to the continuous information the authorities are receiving from the residents, the military said.

Furthermore, the military said that in 2021, a total of 15 NPA guerrillas have been killed in the successful engagements initiated by the Army and PNP against the local communist group. —LBG, GMA News