5 suspected NPA insurgents killed in Sorsogon clash — military

(Updated 4:08 p.m.) At least five suspected members of the New People's Army were killed in a predawn Friday encounter with soldiers in Sorsogon province, a military official said.

In a statement, Captain Mardjorie Panesa, spokesperson for the Army's 9th Infantry Division, said the encounter started at 5:44 a.m. while government troops were conducting an operation against a reported extortion activity in Barangay Balocawe in Matnog town.

At least 25 suspected rebels engaged the soldiers in a firefight that lasted for about 30 minutes, Panesa said, adding that one of the two suspects who were captured was injured.

"Isa ang nasugatan na binibigyan ng agarang lunas ng medics ng 31st Infantry Battalion bago dalhin sa isang ospital sa probinsya," she said.

Recovered from the suspects were five high-caliber firearms, including two M16 rifles, two M653 or baby Armalite rifles, and an M-203 grenade launcher, Panesa added.

Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala said among the rebels killed was a certain Ka Randy, said to be commanding officer of the NPA's Probinsyal Yunit Guerilya of the Bicol Region Party Committee in the province.

In a separate text message to reporters,  Brig. Gen. Joselito Kakilala, commander of the Army's 903rd Brigage, identified the four other fatalities as:


Kakilala also identified the two who were captured as Maricel Remon, a political instructor; and Intia Garduque.
 
In a report during the 45th founding anniversary of the NPA on March 29, 2014, Zagala said the NPA has around 4,000 fighters, mostly concentrated in north-eastern and southern Mindanao.

Asked if the communist insurgency is still a long-term threat, Zagala said: "They are more of a criminal group now as they have lost their ideological mooring and are now engaged in extortion [activities]."

Meanwhile, an earlier report quoted Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles as saying the peace talks the government has extended to the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA-National Democratic Front is a standing offer.

“They have not accepted a ceasefire [offer]. Talks have not been in place for a long time [but] law enforcement cannot stop,” Deles added.

The NPA is the armed wing of the CPP, while the NDF is its political arm. — with a report from Amanda Fernandez /LBG/KG, GMA News