By Perla Lena | Philippine News Agency
ILOILO CITY – Eight New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed and various firearms seized after government troops stormed the rebels’ hideout in Sitio Burak, Barangay Alimodias in Miagao, Iloilo on Wednesday (Dec. 1) morning.
A statement by the Philippine Army’s 301st Infantry (Bayanihan) Brigade of the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division said soldiers launched the operation after concerned citizens informed them of the presence of rebels under the Suyak, Sentro de Grabidad (SDG) Platoon, Southern Front (SF)-Panay of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA in the hinterland barangay.
The offensive operation prevented the terror group’s alleged plan to attack a military patrol base in the municipality.
“Troops of the 61st Infantry Battalion and 31st Division Reconnaissance Company discovered that the CNT’s (Communist NPA Terrorists) position were fortified and laden with anti-personnel mines (APMs) to secure their hideout,” the military statement added.
Clearing operations are ongoing at the site. Apart from the initial eight bodies recovered, soldiers also found three M16 rifles, one AK47, four APMs, three detonators, one projector, subversive documents, and assorted personal belongings.
Brig. Gen. Marion R. Sison, commander of the 301st Brigade, in the statement, expressed his gratitude to residents of the mountainous barangay for providing timely information.
“The cooperation of every stakeholder is vital to preventing the terror plans of the CNTs. We call on CNT members to return to the government fold and stop being used as instruments of terror by their deceptive leaders. Abandon the senseless armed struggle, which has victimized innocent civilians. Live a peaceful life together with your families and loved ones,” Sison said.
The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA) – bny
