5 NPA rebels killed in Northern Samar, Compostela Valley clashes

MANILA, Philippines — Five New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed in encounters with government troopers in Northern Samar and Compostela Valley yesterday.

Maj. Gen. Raul Farnacio, 8th Infantry Division commander, said the clash in Northern Samar occurred when around 50 rebels stormed the Victoria municipal police station at around 3:44 a.m.

Senior Police Officers 2 Arturo Gordo Jr. and Arnold Cabacang were wounded and brought to a hospital for treatment.

Police said an M60 machine gun, two M16 rifles and an M14  were recovered from the rebels. Three other communist guerrillas, one of them identified as Aljon Cardenas, were arrested.

Capt. Ryan Valdez, spokesman for the 803rd Infantry Brigade, said five civilians were wounded when the rebels set up roadblocks at the vicinity of Barangays Colab-og and Libertad and fired at passing vehicles.

Valdez said NPA rebels in Northern Samar wanted to overrun the Victoria police station to mark their 50th anniversary today.

Intensify attacks

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año ordered the police to work with the military to intensify its offensive against NPA rebels following the attack.

“The best defense is always offense. Let us... attack NPA guerrilla bases in tandem with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and make sure that these NPA terrorists pay for their heinous crimes against the Filipino people,” Año said in a statement.

He said the police officers who defended the station would be given due recognition.

“Despite being outnumbered... these brave police officers held their position and defeated the enemy. This is a highly commendable accomplishment,” Año said.

In Compostela Valley, two NPA guerrillas were killed in a clash with soldiers in Sitio Mangurayan, Barangay Antipan, Mabini.

“The rebels fled... leaving two of their dead comrades,” Lt. Col. Esteveyn Ducusin, 71st Infantry Battalion commander, said.

Also yesterday, around 20 NPA fighters strafed a detachment of militiamen at the boundary of Barangays Agcalaga and Garangan in Calinog, Iloilo.

There was no reported casualty on the side of the government.

NDF consultant faces raps

Meanwhile, the Department of Justice (DOJ) approved the filing of charges against National Democratic Front consultant Renante Gamara, who was arrested  in Cavite last week for illegal possesion of firearms and explosives.

Police said a 9mm pistol and two hand grenades were recovered from Gamara in Barangay Poblacion 2, Imus.

DOJ prosecutors dismissed  the complaint filed against Catholic priest Arturo Joseph Balagat, who was arrested with Gamara, for “insufficient evidence.” – Miriam Desacada, Gilbert Bayoran, Edu Punay, Jennifer Rendon