ILOILO CITY – A member of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) was killed in a 15-minute clash with government troopers in Barangay Aglonok, Calinog town on Monday.
The Philippine Army’s 12th Infantry Battalion identified the slain rebel as Benjamin Cortel alias Mamang/Amor, from Barangay Cochero, Molo in Iloilo City, and a political officer of Regional Headquarters, Kilusang Rehiyon-Panay
In an interview on Tuesday, 12th IB commander Lt. Col. Vicel Jan Garsuta said they are waiting for favorable weather to airlift the body of the rebel, as well as an injured soldier from the clash site.
Barangay Aglonok is the remotest village of Calinog, and the encounter site is around a four-day walk from the barangay proper, he said.
Recovered after the clash were an M16 rifle, an M14 rifle, an AK47, an M203 grenade launcher, and an Ultimax.
Also recovered were three rifle grenades; two M16 magazines loaded with ammunition; four M203 live ammunition; two magazines of AK47 rifle loaded with ammunition; one magazine of Ultimax loaded with ammunition; four bandoliers; eight backpacks with personal belongings; an NPA flag; subversive documents; and assorted medical paraphernalia/medicines.
Garsuta said the encounter and the latest casualty will further weaken the influence of the rebels, and they will eventually lose the support of the people.
“Our efforts continue. We have military operations, but at the same time, we are calling for them to surrender. We have programs in the government that they can avail,” he said. (PNA)
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