Camp Aquino, Tarlac City– The “protracted war” goes on.
This came as 9 members of the New Peoples Army were killed in an encounter with the Philippine Army at Barangay Burgos, Caranglan, Nueva Ecija.
According Lt Col. Isagani Nato, Public Information Officer of the Northern Luzon Command, the bloody armed encounter started around 7:25 AM, last Wednesday, and lasted for more than 2 ½ hours.
Nato also said the 9 slain rebels were part of the 15-member NPA team led by Joel Manangan, AKA Razul which were encountered by the Charlie Company, 184th Infantry Batallion of the 7th Infantry Division, NOLCOM.
Those killed included Razul, certain Ka Gian, Ka Bunso, Ka Sok and other 5 unidentified NPA personalities.
Nine high-powered firearms were recovered from the encounter site comprising of an AK47, a M14, two M653, and five M16 with a M203 grenade launcher attached to one of the rifles. Eight (8) back packs, containing several subversive documents and personal belongings,were also recovered, also said Nato.
“The group of communist terrorist were part of the NPA unit operating in the tri-boundaries of Nueva Ecija, Nueva Viscaya and Eastern Pangasinan conducting hostile activities in the area”, Nato added.
Meanwhile, MGen Emmanuel Salamat, newly designated Commander of NOLCOM, said, “I congratulate the troops involved (and this is) inspiring further all troops to continue protecting the Filipino people and to contribute to national development”.