CAMP GEN. MATEO CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal- Two members of New Peoples Army (NPA) rebels were killed while a member of Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) was wounded in about five-minute clash between CAFGU troopers and NPA insurgents in Barangay San Andres, Lopez, Quezon minutes before midnight on Black Saturday.
CAFGU troopers belonging to the 59th Infantry (CAFGU) Battalion under the 2nd Infantry ‘Jungle Fighter’ Division (2ID) of the Philippine Army, while on combat patrol, encountered three members of Platoon 2 of the NPA Sub-Regional Military Area (SRMA) operating in Quezon province under the leadership of Joseph Delos Santos, alias “Ka Bingot.”
Colonel Elias Escarcha, commander of the 201st Infantry Brigade disclosed on Sunday that the insurgents were about to attack the CAFGU’d San Andres Patrol Base when encountered at about 11:15 p.m. on Black Saturday.
Escarcha said members of the CAFGU combat patrol proceeded to the site after receiving a report that a group of NPA members was plotting an attack of their San Andres Patrol Base.
The patrolling CAFGU were able to track the location of the enemies and clashes ensued that lasted up to five minutes. Two unidentified enemies were found dead at the encounter site. It was believed that a member of the NPA group had escaped.
Government forces recovered the NPA group’s firearms comprised of an M16 rifle; AK-47; ICOM radio; two grenades and three backpacks after clearing the site.
Meanwhile, the wounded CAFGU is undergoing medical treatment in a hospital and is now in a safe condition.
Major General Rhoderick M. Parayno, Commander of the Philippine Army’s 2ID in this camp here, said the government troops were able to preempt the NPA’s planned attack at the patrol base.
“This is a big blow to the NPA terrorist groups which observed their founding anniversary celebration last March 29. These actions will send a message to the enemies of the state that their terrorist activities are futile,” Parayno warned. (PNA)
