Alleged NPA killed in clash vs troops in Sorsogon

November 24, 2020

An alleged member of the New People's Army (NPA) was killed in a clash with government troops in Sorsogon province on Monday, a military spokesman said Tuesday.

Capt. John Paul Belleza, public affairs officer of the 9th Infantry Division,  said the troops of 22nd Infantry Battalion of Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB) encountered at least ten armed men in Barangay Gulang-gulang, Irosin town around 8pm.

"Prior to this, 22nd IB under Lt. Col. Nelson Mico conducted a security operation to verify the report of residents from the barangay about the ongoing extortion and recruitment activities of the CTGs(communist terrorist group)," he said.

Under cover of darkness, the troops spotted the enemy, resulting in fierce fighting. The CTGs withdrew to different directions, leaving their dead comrade, said Belleza.

Belleza said troops also recovered six anti-personnel mines, commercial radios, 50-meter electrical wire and backpack from the encounter site.

Mico lauded  his troops and recognized the contribution of the residents who reported the presence of the rebels, especially the parents of the minors who were being recruited. Robina Asido/DMS