CAMP GEN. MATEO CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal – A soldier was killed while two New Peoples Army (NPA) rebels were captured during a skirmish between military troops of the 2nd Jungle Fighter Company and the communist terrorist group in Barangay Umiray in General Nakar, Quezon around 3:45 p.m. Monday.
Brigadier General Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos, the commander of the 202nd Brigade on Tuesday said as government troops were scouring the area following report from the concerned citizens that a group of NPAs were consolidating in the remote village, they clashed with some 15 NPA terrorists under the Guerilla Front Cesar and the firefight ensued.
“The exchange of gunfire lasted for 30 minutes that resulted in the death of one of the troops, while an undetermined number of casualties was reported as the enemies scampered based on the traces of bloodstains,” Burgos said.
The identity of the fallen soldier was withheld pending information to be officially relayed to the next of kin.
Burgos also reported that another 5-minute gunbattle occurred around 5 p.m. on Monday but none was reportedly hurt.
It was not immediately known if the incursions of the communist terrorist group into the remote village was part of the state enemies plan to sow violence for the synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections in the South Libutan and South Panagsaan in Barangay Umiray in Gen. Nakar town.
Meanwhile, Major General Rhoderick M. Parayno, commander of the 2nd Infantry “Jungle Fighter” Division (2ID), has extended his condolences to the bereaved family of the slain soldier.
“Rest assured that his heroism and sacrifices will not be in vain. 2ID will continue to conduct combat operations to destroy and end this terrorist group the soonest possible time,” Parayno said.
The two captured NPAs will be turned over to the Quezon police for investigation and filing of appropriate charges.
Government roops recovered two shotguns, back packs and subversive documents from the encounter site.
As of press time, the military troops have intensified their pursuit operations against the terrorist rebels while the reported casualties from the state enemies are still being validated. ( Saul Pa-a/PNA)
