THE Philippine Army in Eastern Visayas said on Friday, December 25, 2020, that it has repelled the New People’s Army (NPA) from sowing chaos during the Christmas celebration in Northern Samar.
Captain Reynaldo Aragones Jr., chief of the Division Public Affairs Office of the 8th Infantry Division based in Catbalogan City, said the government troops had killed a high-ranking rebel leader and arrested another member during the five successive encounters in San Isidro town from December 21 to 24.
Personnel from 43rd Infantry Battalion (IB) had their first encounter on December 21 in Barangay Happy Valley, San Isidro.
The 30-minute gunfight resulted in the death of a certain Jerry Lutao alias Apple whose body was left behind by the retreating comrades, the army said in a statement.
The troops also overran an NPA camp and seized firearms, improvised explosive devices, subversive documents, and other supplies.
On December 22, the troops encountered another six alleged rebels at the vicinity of the said barangay.
No one was killed or hurt on the government side while an undetermined casualty on the enemy's side was reported during the 10-minute firefight, according to Aragones.
Five hours later, the same army troops clashed with another group of rebels at the vicinity of Sitio Agsam, Barangay Happy Valley.
The soldiers also seized three firearms, ammunition, mobile phones, and backpacks.
On December 23, government troops encountered another group of rebels at the vicinity of Km 14 of the said barangay.
One rebel, identified as Jonas Dela Torre alias Jonel, 36-year-old, was wounded during the clash.
He was given first aid, while troops also recovered his AK47 rifle, according to Aragones in a statement.
Hours before Christmas eve, soldiers also engaged in a 15-minute gunfight with three suspected rebels in Barangay Happy Valley.
The troops also recovered two M16 rifles, magazines, ammunition, and one improvised hand grenade.
Lieutenant Colonel Raymundo Picut Jr., commanding officer of the 43rd IB, said they are “closely monitoring the activities” of the rebel group.
Meanwhile, Major General Pio Dinoso III, 8th ID commander, assured the residents of the region that government troops “will be guarding communities to ensure a meaningful and peaceful Christmas celebration.” (SunStar Philippines)