The Manila Times

3 NPA members killed in Quezon

ROSELLE AQUINO

CAVINTI, LAGUNA: Three members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were slain during an encounter with government forces in Sitio Lagmak, Barangay Pagsangahan, General Nakar, Quezon on Tuesday.

According to a report, troops belonging to the 22nd Division Reconnaissance Company and 1st Infantry Battalion were conducting focused military operations in the area when they chanced upon an undetermined number of armed rebels that resulted in an armed engagement.

After the brief firefight, the majority of the rebels managed to escape but three unidentified NPA combatants were found dead.

The government troops also recovered two M16 rifles, one R4 rifle and one M203 grenade launcher from the scene.

No government troops were injured in the said incident.

Brig. Gen. Cerilo Balaoro Jr., commander of the 202nd Infantry Brigade, said the troops took action due to the complaints of residents from the said barangay about the presence of armed men who extorted food and other supplies from the residents.

“This only shows that the people even in the far-flung communities are already fed up with the continuous extortion and harassment of the NPA, particularly to the IP community belonging to the Dumagat tribe,” Balaoro said.

“We also extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family of the three NPA fighters killed who were exploited and influenced to tread a path to violence. As such, I would like to reiterate my call on the remaining NPA members to voluntarily surrender, avail the government peace initiative through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program and live a peaceful life together with their family,” Balaoro added.

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2022-09-22T07:00:00.0000000Z

2022-09-22T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://digitaledition.manilatimes.net/article/281724093412683

The Manila Times