A member of New People’s Army (NPA) was killed in an encounter with government forces in North Cotabato over the weekend, jarring a unilateral ceasefire between with the National Democratic Front forged last August 2016.

Captain Rhyan Batchar, spokesman of the Army’s 10 th Infantry Division, said this is the first incident  since a unilateral ceasefire was declared by Philippine government and the National Democratic Front (NDF).

 

The body of the alleged NPA member was recovered by soldiers in the second round of fighting.

“The troops, while scouring the site of the incident, were again fired (upon) by the rebels. After the 30-minute firefight, the troops recovered three high-powered rifles, several personal belongings and the body of an unidentified man at the encounter site,” he said.

 

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the peace talks between the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front, which are taking place in Rome, will not be affected.

 

“It should not affect the ongoing peace talks.. and we are intent on focusing, on settling the matter,” said Abella.

 

Batchar said they recovered 15 backpacks with personal belongings, two handheld radios, assorted medical supplies and several subversive documents.

 

“Several extortion letters signed by a certain Ricardo Fermiza, spokesman of Guerilla 51, Davao del Sur-North Cotabato Operation Command of the New People’s Army, Southern Mindanao Region were recovered. Per report from 39IB, Fermiza had been extorting from business owners and ordinary civilians since 2014,” he said.

 

Batchar identified the fatality as Rojit Estampa Ranara, 33, married, resident of Sito Patulangon, Brgy Zone 1, Sta Cruz, Davao del Sur.

 

“The cadaver was claimed by her sister Lolita Estampa Ranara. The cadaver is currently at Torreda Funeral Homes, Makilala, North Cotabato,” he said.

 

Batchar also denied allegations by the chief propagandist of SMRC eight soldiers were killed.

 

“The 10 ID invites the public to scrutinize the records of the Makilala MPS, interview the people around the encounter site and check on all hospitals and funeral parlors in Regions 11 and 12 to determine who is telling the truth,” he said. Robina Asido, Celerina Monte/DMS