A LEADER of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed while two soldiers were wounded in a clash in the province of Zamboanga del Norte, military officials said on Thursday, July 19.
Major Ronald Suscano, Army’s 1st Infantry Division information officer, identified the slain NPA leader as Edwin Lapinig alias Ka Baz, Platoon Basil commander of the Mobile Regional Guerrilla Unit (MRGU) under the NPA’s Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC).
Suscano said the clash happened while the joint military and policemen were on law enforcement operation around 7 a.m. Wednesday in Sindangan town.
He said the clash ensued as Lapinig opened fire that prompted the troops to return fire which resulted to the death of the NPA leader and injured two soldiers.
The army information officer did not released the identities of the two wounded soldiers.
Suscano said Lapinig has standing warrant of arrest for the crime of murder issued by the court in Tangub City, Misamis Occidental.
He added the slain NPA leader was involved in the recent killing of two soldiers; disarming of policemen in Don Victoriano Chiongbian, Misamis Occidental; and burning of heavy equipment of construction firms undertaking government projects here in Zamboanga Peninsula.
Major General Roseller Murillo, Army’s 1st Infantry Division commander, said they will continue to pursue the NPA rebels in the region.
“We will continue the security operations in our area of responsibility in order to ensure the safety and well-being of the people,” Murillo said.
Murillo congratulated the joint military and police operatives for the successful law enforcement operation.