Two alleged NPA supporters arrested in Masbate

April 11, 2020

Two alleged supporters of the New People's Army (NPA) were arrested following an encounter with the military in Masbate province on Good Friday.

Capt. John Paul Belleza, spokesman of the 9th Infantry Division, said the clash occurred at the vicinity of Barangay Cabas-an in Aroroy town, Masbate around 5:30 pm.

Belleza said  government forces were assisting  distribution of relief goods within Barangay Cabas-an when they were fired upon by at least 15 armed men, forcing soldiers to retaliate.

"The firefight lasted for five minutes before the enemies scampered towards Barangay Nabonsoran," he said.

"Two fleeing members of Militiang Bayan were captured while one cal. 45, two homemade shotguns, one carbine rifle, anti-personnel mines and assorted ammunition were recovered from the encounter site," he added.

Belleza said Joint Task Force Bicolandia under Major Gen. Fernando Trinidad condemned the attack by the rebels while the Christian world is remembering the death of Jesus Christ.

"Aside from being inconsiderate with the observance of the Holy Week, this incident is also a disrespect of the still existing unilateral ceasefire of the government and a clear violation of the declared ceasefire by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) due to the on-going fight against COVID-19,"  he said.

Belleza said Trinidad assured the public that though the military is focused on helping curb COVID-19, government forces will remain vigilant. Robina Asido/DMS