Two alleged NPA members killed in encounter with gov’t forces in Masbate

April 8, 2019

Two alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in an encounter with government forces in Masbate on Monday morning.

Capt. Joash Pramis, spokesman of the 9th Infantry Division, said the clash between security forces and around seven rebels happened in the vicinity of Barangay Buri, Mandaon town around 1:55 am.

“The incident ensued when the combined elements of soldiers and police launched an operation after receiving reports regarding the presence of seven armed CTG (communist terrorist group) in the area,” he said.

“The brief firefight, which lasted for about five minutes, led to the death of two communist terrorist group members and confiscation of an M16 assault rifle, one cal. 45 pistol and personal belongings,” he added.

Pramis said no casualty was recorded on the government side while bodies of the armed men were turned over to the Mandaon Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.

“Pursuit was immediately launched for the apprehension of the fleeing CTG members involved in the said incident,” he said.

Pramis said Maj. Gen. Fernando Trinidad, commander of Joint Task Force Bicolandia, assures that government forces will hunt the remaining members of the armed group.

“The timely information we received from the civilians led us to series of successful operations. These actions are clear manifestation that the members are no longer welcome in the localities. They do not have mass base anymore and they already lost their traditional guerilla bases,” Trinidad said. Robina Asido/DMS