NPA leader killed in Ifugao clash
BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines – A leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the Cordilleras was among those killed in last Sunday’s encounter with government troops in Ifugao province, the Army said yesterday.
The Isabela-based 5th Infantry Division (ID) confirmed the death of Eleseo Talastas, who led around 20 NPA rebels in an early morning firefight in Aguinaldo town’s far-flung Butac village.
1st Lt. Rowena Abayan of the 5th ID’s public affairs office said Talastas, also known as Libre or Layden in the military intelligence community, was the head of the Ifugao command of the NPA’s Kilusang Larangang Gerilya-Cordillera.
Talastas’ body, which bore a gunshot wound in the chest, was identified by relatives. He was a native of Natonin, Mountain Province.
Col. Loreto Magundayao, chief of the 5th ID’s civilian-military operations battalion, said six high-powered firearms – three M16 rifles, two M14 assault rifles and an M203 grenade launcher – were recovered at the scene. – Charlie Lagasca, Raymund Catindig
- Latest
- Trending
