Five NPAs, one soldier killed in Ilocos Sur clash

August 10, 2020

The death toll during combat operations against the New People's Army (NPA) over the weekend Ilocos Sur reached six, with five from the NPA and one soldier,   military officials said on Monday.

Major Amado Gutierrez, spokesman of the 7th Infantry Division,  said at least five members of the Komiteng Larangan Gerilya South Ilocos Sur  (KLG-SIS) were killed in a series of encounters by the 702nd Infantry Brigade in Barangay Suagayan, Sta. Lucia municipality around 2 pm on Saturday.

"According to the report from 702nd Infantry Brigade, three successive encounters between government troops and the bandits were recorded in Ilocos Sur," he said.

"The bandits were led by notorious extortionist known as alias "Nero" whose real name is Ronnie Dalem Garvida, who is facing multiple criminal charges," he added.

Gutierrez said the combat operation was made following the reported presence of  rebels in the area.

Government troops also recovered four M16 rifles,  two M14 rifles,  one cal. 45 pistol, one 9mm pistol, one shotgun, six Improvised Explosive Device, 15 blasting caps, five detonating switch, two rolls of 25 meters wire, three hand grenades, 15 cellphones, subversive documents and assorted medicines.

"Of the five NPA bandits killed, two were identified namely Rolando Marvil alias "Eugene", team member and a resident of Brgy. Bugnay, Candon City, Ilocos Sur; alias "Maymay", an NPA medic and whose real identity is yet to be known," he said.

Major Ericson Bulosan, spokesman of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Northern Luzon Command. said one soldier died and five others were wounded.

Bulosan said one civilian was also killed by the NPA as he was suspected as a military asset.

"The wounded troops were immediately taken to a hospital and are now recuperating," he said.

"The Army troopers coordinated with the local government unit of Ilocos Sur, and the police to further mitigate threats of the remaining NPA rebels who flee from the scene," he added.

Bulosan said 702nd Infantry Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Audrey Pasia continues to lead the troops to ensure safety of the civilians.

"Nolcom will continue to intensify its law enforcement support operations in support of other concerned agencies and the community, to curtail and neutralize all threat groups in its area of operations," he said. Robina Asido/DMS