NPA fatalities in Nueva Ecija clash now 10, military says

Three more bodies of suspected New People’s Army (NPA) members were found after Wednesday's armed encounter in Nueva Ecija, bringing the total fatalities to 10, the military said.

In a statement on Thursday, the Philippine Army’s 703rd Infantry Brigade (703IB) said the two of the three cadavers found in the encounter site on Thursday morning were identified as Andrie dela Cruz and Azase Galang.

Dela Cruz was an alleged political instructor of Platun Silangan Gitnang Luzon, according to the military.

Initially, the military reported seven fatalities. Five of them were identified as Hilario Guiuo, Harold Sarenas Meñosa, Pepito Trinidad Bautista, Reynan Mendoza, and Archie Anceta.

The military said Guiuo was the acting secretary of Komiteng Rehiyong Gitnang Luzon and commander of Regional Operational Command, Meñosa was the commander of Platun Silangan Gitnang Luzon, and Bautista was the leader of Squadron Tersera.

Their bodies were brought to the nearest funeral homes in Pantabangan for burial and turnover to respective families, the military said.

No casualties were reported on the side of the government.

“We would like to express our sympathy to the bereaved families of those who died and I am saddened that they reached to this point,” 703IB commander Brigadier General Norwin Joseph Pasamonte said. 

Recovered from the encounter site were 15 firearms, subversive documents, and personal belongings, according to the military.

The 84th Infantry Battalion (84IB) launched the combat operations against the rebel group as they were allegedly spreading fear among the residents in the area. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA Integrated News