A New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was killed and two others were captured by government troops after a firefight in Samar on Saturday, the military reported yesterday.
The Army’s 8th Infantry Division (ID) said five firearms were also seized in the firefight in Barangay Concepcion, Paranas town.
Troops from the 46th Infantry were conducting security operations in the area when they were fired upon by members of the Special Operations Group under the NPA’s Yakal platoon.
The fight resulted in the death of one of the rebels, Gerry dela Cruz, alias Justin.
It also led to the capture of two other rebels — alias Aye, a political guide; and alias Tintin.
Soldiers also recovered three M16 rifles, two .45 caliber pistols, three backpacks, three bandoliers, rebel documents, and other war materiel, the 8th ID said.
Brig. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, 8th ID commander, said the incident proves that military operations are “effectively dismantling the armed capability of the CTGs (communist terrorist groups).”
“We will continue to hunt down these remnants until they can no longer threaten the peace and progress of Samar in general,” said Orio.
Brig. Gen. Arlino Sendaydiego, commander of the 801st Brigade, said: “Our resolve to end decades of abuses inflicted by the Communist Terrorist Group is true and unyielding, because for too long, they have terrorized the people of Paranas. We will not allow this to continue,” said Sendaydiego.
“Rest assured that your Army is steadfast in securing our communities as we also call on the remaining members of this group to surrender, because the government awaits to help them rebuild their lives,” he added.
