2 rebels killed in clash in remote CamSur town

By Rhaydz Barcia

LEGAZPI CITY --- Two suspected members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in an encounter with government troops in Barangay San Isidro, Goa, Camarines Sur on Saturday.

Major Frank Roldan, spokesperson of the Philippine Army’s 9th Infantry Division (9ID), said troops from the 83rd Infantry Battalion (IB) engaged seven alleged NPA members at around 5:10 a.m. on June 6 after residents reported the presence of armed rebels in the area.

“Our troops encountered seven rebel members at about 5:10 in the morning. The group was reportedly led by an individual known by the aliases Deo or Leo, who is among the remaining members of Platoon 1, KLG1, SRC2,” Roldan said.

Following the encounter, government forces recovered several items believed to belong to the rebels, including three improvised explosive devices (IEDs), an M16 rifle, an IED remote switch, a Galil Ace 22N caliber rifle, magazines, ammunition, and personal belongings.

Roldan said the rebels withdrew after the firefight, leaving behind two slain comrades identified as Jonathan Mendez, also known by the aliases Errol, Manuel, Maria, and Jun, who was reportedly facing a frustrated murder case, and Nilo Caballero, alias Richard, a member of Squad 1 of the same platoon.

Prior to the operation, the Army’s Matikas Battalion received reports regarding the alleged presence of an armed group in the area. The information was immediately validated, prompting troops to conduct an operation.

Following the deaths of the two rebels, the 9ID urged remaining NPA members to surrender and return to civilian life.

“While the 9ID regrets the loss of lives, our troops were carrying out their mandate to maintain peace and security in the region. We continue to encourage the remaining rebel members to return to the fold of the law, reunite with their families, and choose a peaceful life,” Roldan said.