ILOILO CITY – A New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was killed in an encounter with the 12th Infantry Battalion in Sitio Naatip, Barangay Lahug, Tapaz town, Capiz province on Saturday, December 28.
The encounter occurred while soldiers from the 12th IB were conducting combat operations in the area. A 30-minute firefight ensued before the rebels scattered in different directions.
According to the 3rd Infantry Division, the troops engaged about 10 NPA rebels believed to be remnants of the Regional Sentro de Gravidad (RSDG) and the dismantled Central Front Committee of the NPA on Panay Island.
Recovered from the site were an M16 rifle, 10 magazines with numerous bullets, and five backpacks containing personal belongings.
Major Gen. Marion Sison, commander of the 3rd ID, praised the 12th IB’s achievement.
“Your actions reflect the highest standards of service and integrity, reinforcing our steadfast resolve to bring lasting peace to our communities,” Sison said in a statement on Monday, December 30.
Garsuta also confirmed that additional forces and K9 units have been deployed to continue combat operations in the area.