Alleged NPA killed hours after ceasefire with gov’t lapses

April 16, 2020

An alleged member of New People's Army (NPA) was killed in a 10-minute encounter with the military in Sorsogon province hours after the government's truce with the communists expired on Thursday.

Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman, said the military is still waiting guidelines from the higher headquarters whether the truce will be extended amid the extension of the enhanced community quarantine.

"The ceasefire declaration emanated from Malacañan. Let us await any guidance or announcement about it," he said.

Captain John Paul Belleza, spokesman of the 9th Infantry Division, said the clash happened at the vicinity of Barangay Tongdol, Irosin town in Sorsogon province around 7:40 am.

Belleza said the troops were responding to the reported presence of the rebels.

"Joint elements of 31st Infantry Battalion, 1st and 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company were conducting security operations in response to a report about the gathering of the communist terrorist group members in the area when the clash broke out," he said.

"The enemies scampered towards different directions leaving their dead comrade behind," he added.

Belleza said  government forces recovered one M-16 rifle, several anti-personnel mines, and other subversive equipment and supplies from the encounter site. They are pursuing the armed men, added Belleza.

Belleza said Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB) under Major Gen. Fernando Trinidad commended the troops. Robina Asido/DMS