In Northern Samar town; Rebel’s wife killed in clash with government

TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines — A female member of the New People's Army, operating in Eastern Visayas, died in an encounter with government troops, which was on combat operation at Barangay Santander in Bobon town of Northern Samar on Sunday.

Lieutenant Edsel Ryan Celebre, of the 43rd Infantry Battalion, who led the operation said they had a five-minute firefight with the communist rebels, who were led by Salvador Nordan, alias "Badok."

As a result, Berdanette Lutao, alias “Kakan" and wife of Badok, was killed. When the rebels retreated, the soldiers recovered from the scene an improvised explosive device (IED), and three cellphones that may provide some vital information of the rebels activities.

Major General Raul Farnacio, commander of the 8th Infantry Division, said the accomplishment was a triumph of the collective efforts of the local government unit and other stakeholders in attaining peace in Northern Samar.

Farnacio however assailed the NPA of using IED, in deliberate violation of the UN Geneva Convention, the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights, and the International Humanitarian Law signed between the Philippine government and the CPP-NPA-NDF.

Farnacio said the NPA rebels have been using IEDs as their weapons of choice without consideration on the welfare of the civilian populace, who will be harmed collaterally by these bombs.

“Filipinos want peace and it is high time for our fellow Filipinos, who were misled to join the NPA, to lay down their arms and lead their lives away from armed struggle,” Farnacio urged. (FREEMAN)