Gov’t troops recover improvised bombs in Palawan: spokesperson

July 21, 2017

Government forces have recovered improvised explosive devices (IED) after an encounter with alleged New People’s Army members Palawan on Friday morning. Captain Cherryl Tindog, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Command spokesperson, said based on initial report the encounter occurred in the vicinity of Sitio Ilyan, Barangay Malihud, Bataraza. Tindog said the troops were verifying the reported presence of the armed rebels in the area when the encounter happened. “In the process of authenticating reports sent by residents, a fire fight followed around 10:40 am lasting before lunchtime,” she said. “After the clash, the Marines discovered blood stains from an undetermined number of wounded rebels in an area at Sitio Ilyan, where they positioned themselves,” Tindog added. Tindog said the encounter has resulted in the recovery of a carrier bag containing improvised explosive devices and magazines with ammunitions belonging to the rebels. “With the discovery of the IEDs, the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army - National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) was thwarted from perpetrating roadside bombing intentions that can injure innocent civilians,” he said. Tindog said the “tip offs from residents only show that team WESCOM is winning in fostering effective relationships with the communities in Bataraza due to their incessant humanitarian activities.” “It also shows that residents are now alert against the CPP-NPA-NDF and want their atrocities ended by working with the government to ensure that Palawan remains safe for their families,” she said. Robina Asido/DMS