NPA hideout in Quezon raided, high-powered firearms recovered —military

State forces overran a hideout of the New People's Army in Quezon on Tuesday, the military said.

Combined forces of the Philippine Army's 85th Infantry Battalion (85IB) and the San Narcisco Municipal Police Station went to Barangay Abuyon in San Narciso, Quezon after receiving reports of the NPA's presence in the area.

The state forces then went to the NPA hideout and engaged 15 rebels in a firefight that lasted for 20 minutes. The rebels then fled.

Pursuit operations are ongoing and joint Armed Forces of the Philippines-Philippine National Police checkpoints have been established in the area.

The military said all its available assets have been placed on high alert.

Brigadier General Norwyn Romeo Tolentino, commander of the Philippine Army's 201st Infantry Brigade, said there were no casualties on the part of the state forces.

However, the casualty count among the NPAs is still being validated, he added.

Recovered from the area were three M16 rifles with magazines, ammunition, IED components and other personal effects, according to Brigadier General Norwyn Romeo Tolentino, commander of the Philippine Army's 201st Infantry Brigade.

Lieutenant Colonel Emmanuel Cabahug, commanding officer of 85IB, said the NPA rebels were under a certain Joseph Delos Santos alias Ken/Bingot.

Cabahug said Delos Santos was a former member of the NPA's Special Partisan Unit (SPARU) and is believed to have been behind some alleged atrocities in the province.

Major General Greg Almerol, commander of the Philippine Army's 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division, called on NPA members to surrender to authorities and "live peacefully with your families."

Almerol said NPA surrenderees may avail of government grants through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). —KG, GMA News