THREE suspected members of the New People's Army (NPA) were killed in an encounter with the government troops in Montevista town in Compostela Valley on Wednesday morning.
Capt. Ernest Carolina, spokesperson for the Philippine Army's 10th Infantry Division, said he does not have yet the names of the NPA rebels killed in an encounter with the members of the Army’s 25th Infantry Battalion at Sitio New Tibungco in Barangay San Jose in Montevista town.
Carolina, in a text message, said the incident happened at around 9:30 a.m. while the troops were conducting their security patrol following the reports about the NPA encampment in the area, unfortunately, most of the rebels had abandoned it.
Lt. Colonel Elmer Aterado, commander of the 25th Infantry Battalion, said the NPA is regularly staying in the area to replenish their supplies and extort money from establishments. He added that they used civilians to run errands for them like buying groceries and they also laid landmines along the roads.
"The troops encountered around 20 armed NPA rebels belonging to Guerilla Front 33. The firefight lasted for 10 minutes then the NPA reportedly hastily withdrew, leaving behind their members killed in the encounter," Carolina said.
Recovered from the encounter site were caliber .9mm pistol, a caliber .38 pistol, two improvised landmines, three backpacks, and several documents.
M/General Ariel B. Bernardo, commander of the Army's 10th Infantry Division, said while the people realize how the troops are working for peace as the only true path to development, they will also see how the concern in the area is also growing.
"We expect that reports of the presence of the armed groups will increase even further as we progress with our advocacy for peace. Meanwhile, the bodies of the three NPA members killed in the clash where brought to the St. Peter Funeral Parlor of Montevista," Bernardo said.
Bernardo added that the 10th Infantry Division in coordination with the local government unit of Montevista will help the family of the three rebels in their burial.