Soldiers overrun alleged NPA camp on Isabela

August 8, 2018

Government troops overran an alleged camp of  the New People's Army where they recovered high-powered firearms after a two-hour encounter in Isabela province on Tuesday.

Capt. Jefferson Somera, spokesman of the Army's 5th Infantry Division, said the troops of 95th Infantry Battalion were conducting military operation in response to the reported location of an NPA emcampment when they encountered around 20 rebels in the vicinity of Brgy San Miguel, Echague, Isabela around 12 pm.

Somera said according to Lt Col Nolito Quemi, commander of the 95th  Infantry Battalion, government forces were able to overran the encampment after a firefight that lasted for about two hours.

Somera said troops also recovered five M16 rifles; two bandoleers with magazines for M16; two rifle grenades; three improvised explosive device; four detonating cords; seven blasting caps; one handheld radio; one chain saw; seven backpacks with personal belongings; two cell phones; assorted medicines and medical paraphernalia and subversive documents.

"Our troops were approaching the target area when fired upon by the Communist terrorist. We manage to outflank the communist terrorist and eventually overrun their encampment," he said.

Quemi said there is no casualty recorded on the government side, while the enemy is believed to have sustained casualties, but managed to be hauled by their fleeing comrades.

"They might carry their wounded comrades when they retreat, but they will not go far away. We expect to recover communist terrorist bodies as we continue our operations," he added.

Maj Gen Perfecto M Rimando Jr., commander of the 5th Infantry Division, offers to help or give medical assistance for the wounded rebels.

"We also appeal to the rebels and their supporters in the area to help us help their wounded comrades," he said. "Our differences in ideologies should not prevent us from helping each other. Just send message to our troops and we will help your comrades get necessary medical attention. We are all Filipinos, remember that," he added. Robina Asido/DMS