Friday, December 08, 2006 Army raids biggest rebel camp in Panay By Ruby P. Silubrico
THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) under the 79th Infantry Battalion invaded a training camp of the New People's Army (NPA) on Wednesday in Sitio Taniang, Barangay Pasi, Igbaras, Iloilo.
Lt. Nestor Porlocas who led the operation, said that they were able to overrun the training camp of the Southern Front Committee (SFC) as early as 6 a.m. where important documents, laptop and other equipment were recovered.
Porlocas said the rebels probably detected their operation after an encounter between 50 rebels and the 79th IB last Monday at Amingalan, San Remegio.
After the encounter, the AFP continued their operation towards Igbaras until they received information that a training camp, the biggest in Panay Island, is in the area.
When the soldiers cordoned the area, the rebels have left the place.
Igbaras is among the NPA-infested towns in Iloilo, especially the villages near San Remegio.
Last Monday, Porlocal's team clashed with the SFC but there were no fatalities from both sides.
A week ago, five rebels and their squad leader died during an encounter in Don Salvador Benedicto, Negros Occidental while the 11th Infantry Battalion was conducting an offensive operation there.
M14, Garand and M16 rifles were recovered from the possession of the fatalities.
Meanwhile, Regional Police Director Geary Barias said they are now coordinating with the AFP while the police are also on red alert status.
Barias had already warned his provincial directors and police chiefs to be on alert for possible rebel attacks.
