7 suspected NPA rebels killed in Nueva Ecija clash —military

Seven alleged communist New People's Army (NPA) rebels were killed in an encounter with government troops in Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija on Wednesday afternoon, the military said Thursday.

In a statement, the Philippine Army’s 703rd Infantry Brigade (703IB) said several high-powered firearms were also recovered following the encounter in Barangay Malbang.

No casualties were reported on the side of the government, the military said. The slain suspected rebels have yet to be identified, it added.

Recovered from the encounter site were three M14 rifles, six M16 rifles, one M16 with M203 attached rifle, one low-powered firearm, subversive documents, and personal belongings.

Hot pursuit operations are ongoing to clear the encounter site and ensure the safety of the community, according to the military.

The 84th Infantry Battalion (84IB) launched the combat operations against the rebel group’s Komiteng Rehiyong Gitnang Luzon as they were allegedly spreading fear among the residents in the area.

“Napigilan po natin ang kanilang planong maibalik ang kanilang impluwensiya sa kumonidad gamit ang pananakot. Actually, hinabol namin ang mga ito galing Aurora to Nueva Vizcaya ngayon dito sa Nueva Ecija,” 84IB commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Jerald Reyes said.

(We stopped their plan to regain their influence in the community using intimidation. Actually, we chased them from Aurora to Nueva Vizcaya, now here in Nueva Ecija.)

Commander of the 703IB Brigadier General Joseph Norwin Pasamonte said the troops will maintain its “strong commitment to the community in preserving the peace that we have been working on for years.” —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA Integrated News