7 rebels slain in Masbate clash

MANILA, Philippines — Seven alleged New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas were killed in an encounter in Uson, Masbate yesterday morning.

The military said the firefight between troopers from the Army’s 2nd Infantry Battalion (IB) and the NPA guerrillas broke out at around 6 a.m. in Barangay San Mateo.

Maj. Gen. Aldwine Almase, chief of the Army’s 9th Infantry Division, said the firefight lasted 30 minutes.

Almase said the encounter was a result of an intensified intelligence-driven and focused military operation launched by the Army’s Joint Task Force Bicolandia.

The military said the troopers recovered seven rifles and two grenade launchers as well as subversive documents and personal belongings at the scene of the encounter.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the death of the rebels was a major blow to the NPA’s operation in Bicol.

Despite the success of the operation, the AFP reiterated that the use of force in any similar situation is considered as a last resort.

The AFP said it continues to advocate for peaceful means to end the insurgency problem by encouraging remaining NPA guerrillas to surrender and avail themselves of the government’s integration program.

Almase said the AFP remains committed to dismantling the communist movement and restoring peace and development in conflict-affected communities.

Army units hailed over NPA surrender

Meanwhile, the Army has commended the 10th Infantry Division and all component units of the 10ID for the surrender of more than 600 rebels in the past four years.

In recognition of the soldiers’ efforts, Army chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido attached citation sashes to the banners of the 10ID’s 1003rd and 701st Infantry Brigades as well as several battalions during a visit at Camp General Manuel Yan in Mawab, Davao de Oro on Friday.

Maj. Gen. Allan Hambala, chief of the 10ID, said local officials and leaders of indigenous peoples’ groups in Northern Mindanao, Davao and Caraga helped convince the rebels to abandon the armed struggle and return to the fold of the law.

Galido urged officials and members of the 10ID and its component units to sustain peacebuilding initiatives and maintain professionalism in carrying out their mission.

Hambala informed Galido that the 10ID, along with local government units and the police have cleared NPA-infested areas in the past two years.

The surrenderees have been reintegrated to mainstream society with the help of different government agencies and local government units. — John Unson