15 rebels killed in Batangas clash
November 29, 2017 | 6:07am
In this Nov. 23, 2016 photo, a red ribbon is tied to a firearm of a New People's Army guerrilla at a rebel encampment tucked in the harsh wilderness of the Sierra Madre mountains. AP/Aaron Favila
BATANGAS, Philippines — Fifteen alleged members of the New People's Army were killed while three others were wounded in two separate encounters with government troops in Nasugbu town Tuesday evening, police said.
Batangas police director Senior Superintendent Alden Delvo said joint elements of the 730th Combat Group of the Philippine Airforce, Batangas and Nasugbu police acted on a phone call revealing that armed men were seen at Sitio Pinamintasan in Barangay Aya, Nasugbu.
Upon reaching the area, the government troops were fired upon by the rebels who were onboard a jeepney and a van around 8:30 p.m.
Five rebels were killed on site while two were wounded in a 20-minute gun battle and were brought to the hospital where one died. Two soldiers were also reported wounded during the clash.
Meanwhile, in Sitio Batulao, Barangay Kaylaway, another encounter ensued between the rebels and government troops that resulted to the killing of nine alleged members of the NPA.
Calabarzon police director Chief Superintendent Mao Aplasca said in a press conference that those killed are members of the Eduardo Dagle command, aged 18 to 25, including five women.
"Based on documents we recovered, there's an indication that one of those neutralized is a high ranking official of the NPA," he added.
Nine long firearms were recovered from the encounter site. Aplasca said he believes there was a serious plan to conduct a tactical offensive against military and police establishments in the region.
"This encounter so far produced the biggest number of casualties on the side of the rebels and is a big blow to the NPA. We have been tracking their movements for two months and we can expect another encounter soon if they don't vacate Calabarzon," said Aplasca.
Authorities said the casualties are believed to be remnants of the NPA unit that the government forces fought in Barangay Utod, also in Nasugbu, on November 20.
Aplasca said this achievement is a result of the vigilance of residents who give timely information and vow to continue mobilizing communities in the region to help protect their own villages.
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