7 suspected NPAs killed in Northern Samar clash —military

Seven alleged members of armed rebel group New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in a military operation in Bobon, Northern Samar on Sunday, Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division (8ID) said.

In a statement issues on Sunday, the military said the 803rd Brigade encountered more or less 40 rebels from the Sub-Regional Guerilla Unit and remnants of the dismantled Front Committee-2, Sub-Regional Committee Emporium, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee.

The government troops called for close air and artillery support because the hideouts of the rebels were allegedly heavily fortified and surrounded by prohibited anti-personnel mines, the 8ID said.

Seven unidentified cadavers were recovered.

Among the seized items were an R4 rifle, two M16 rifles, an AK47 rifle, an anti-personnel mine, and subversive documents.

As the clearing efforts are still ongoing, the military believes the rebels suffered heavy casualties based on the amount of blood seen along their escape route.

The operation was conducted after concerned civilians reported that a group of armed men were seen passing through the outskirts of Barangay Santander, according to the military.

Major General Camilo Ligayo, commander of 8ID, attributed the accomplished operation to the clearing of the area where the rebels were operating. He said it hindered their logistical and operational support. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA Integrated News