Government troops, NPA clash in Quezon; one soldier killed

One Army soldier was killed when members of the 92nd Infantry (TANGLAW-DIWA) (92IB) Battalion of the Philippine Army clashed with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in General Nakar, Quezon on Sunday.

The government troops clashed twice with the NPA members in Sitio Dadyangao and Sitio Madaraki in Barangay Umiray.

Lieutenant Colonel Christopher M. Diaz, commanding officer of the 92IB, said in a press release issued on Monday that the encounter happened after they acted on an intelligence report and tips from civilians that armed NPAs were allegedly extorting rice and money from the Dumagat indigeneous people.

The first encounter occurred at around 10:40 a.m. when the troops chanced upon members of the NPA's Platoon 4A2, Guerilla Front Cesar of the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee (STRPC).

The firefight lasted for 20 minutes. One soldier was killed and troops believe the NPA suffered an undetermined number of casualties due to the bloodstains left in the area.

The fatality on the Army side was identified as Private James Lanes, 24, from Sultan Kudarat.

Troops also said the NPAs brought along their wounded members when they fled.

Following traces of blood from the wounded NPAs, the Army soldiers reached them, leading to a second encounter between the two forces that lasted for 15 minutes.

Soldiers from the 92nd Infantry Battalion conduct combat operations in Barangay Umiray, General Nakar, Quezon. Philippine Army/2ID

Brigadier General Arnulfo Marcelo B. Burgos Jr., commander of the 202nd Brigade of the Philippine Army, said the troops were on track against the NPA in the area.

“They are now running out of ammunition with the recent two encounters; they are now tired and they have wounded comrades. We will pursue these NPA remnants until they are destroyed,” Burgos said.

Major General Rhoderick M. Parayno, commander of the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division (2ID), extended his condolences to the family of the fallen soldier.

“Rest assured that his bravery and heroism will be treasured and will never be forgotten. His example of sacrifice will continue to inspire us to strive more on our mission of protecting the people against all NPA threats and coercion especially of the Dumagat IP in Quezon,” Parayno said.

Troops are now conducting hot pursuit operations and setting up checkpoints with the local police to capture the NPA rebels. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA News