Alleged NPA member in Compostela Valley killed in encounter

April 20, 2018

An alleged New People's Army (NPA) member was killed while a soldier was wounded in a 45-minute firefight  in Compostela Valley province on Thursday, a regional military spokesman said Friday.

Capt. Jerry Lamosao of the 10th Infantry Division said based on initial report troops of 60th Infantry Battalion were conducting combat operation when they encountered around 50 armed men in the vicinity of Sitio Tadok, Brgy Kapatagan, Laak town around 6:30 am.

“There was a report that reached headquarters of 60IB that a group of armed NPA terrorists is planning to conduct extortion and force recruitment activity in the area,” he said.

“After it was validated,  the 60th Infantry Battalion under 10th Infantry Division launched focused military operation targeting armed NPA terrorists to protect the people in the communities and to prevent possible atrocities,” he added.

Lamosao said the alleged NPAs  withdrew to the south, leaving one of their dead comrades.

He said the wounded soldier “is now in stable condition after he was given first aid and brought to the hospital.”

“The troops are still in pursuit operations following traces of blood from the encounter site,” he added. Robina Asido/DMS