Suspected NPA rebels engage in firefight with gov't troopers in Majayjay

Government troopers and suspected New People's Army rebels had a gunfight Sunday night in Majayjay, Laguna, a report on Unang Balita on Monday said.

Majayjay Mayor Jojo Clado said the clash occurred around 8:30 p.m. and lasted until about 10 p.m. after the rebels retreated toward Lucban.

The situation on Monday is already stable, however, he said.

"Kagabi lang po kasi we were caught unaware," Clado said.

The mayor revealed that there has been an existing threat from the NPA as it pressured the owners of the hydro electric plant being built in Majayjay to pay P9 million in revolutionary taxes.

"Pero matagal na po kasi kaming nakakatanggap ng threat regarding po doon sa taxes na hinihingi ng NPA sa tinatayong hydro electric (plant) sa aming bayan," Clado said.

The mayor said there were no fatalities but there were injured personnel on both sides.

Since the gunfight occurred near the national highway where there were only a few houses, no residents were displaced, Clado said.

However, he said many residents feared for their lives.

"Marami pong natakot. Malakas 'yung armas ng gamit ng ating mga kalaban," Clado added.

The mayor said he advised residents to take extra precaution especially since seven barangays are set to hold their fiestas.

"Dito sa amin, pitong barangay ang may piyesta... Ang Pahiyas adjacent sa bayan namin. Pinagko-caution ko ang mga tao na huwag masyadong mag-enjoy. Magbantay pa rin, siguraduhin ang kanilang kapaligiran. Baka mamaya magkaroon ng resbak," he said.

Clado said the 202nd Infantry Brigade assured him that Majayjay is now clear.

"As of now kausap ko ang 202 Brigade. Dito ... clear na po ng mga kalaban po," he added. —KG, GMA News