Alleged NPA killed in Zamboanga Sibugay clash with military

April 3, 2020

An alleged member of New People’s Army (NPA) was killed after armed men attacked government troops in Zamboanga Sibugay last Wednesday, a military spokesman said Friday.

Col. Ramon Zagala, Philippine Army spokesman, said based on initial report the troops of 1st Infantry Division encountered the armedmen at the vicinity of Barangay Balagon, Siay.

“Following the community visitation of the unit’s effort for COVID-19 information awareness, ten enlisted personnel were harassed by a number of armed rebels believed to be combined members of (communist terrorist group) CTGs from Front Flex A and Front 13,” he said.

Zagala said the firefight lasted for 20 minutes.

He said soldiers also recovered two M16A1 Elisco rifles, medical paraphernalia, and other personal belongings after the clash.

Zagala said other units of the Philippine Army “conducting similar activities related to the prevention of COVID-19 were reminded to be extra vigilant in order to pre-empt similar incident imposed by the CTGs.”

Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay said the Army troops “remain vigilant and alert against our enemies who do not respect our humanitarian mission.” Robina Asido/DMS