AROROY, Mabate – Four members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed after encountering for the second time elements of the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Batallion yesterday morning in Barangay Pangle here.
According to the PA’s 9th Infantry Division Public Affairs Officer Capt. Jaosh Pramis, the military team headed by 1LT April John S. Del Rosario was patrolling the area after receiving complaints from residents about the presence of armed men.
About 20 rebels tried to put up a fight only to retreat after about 20 minutes of firefight that resulted in the death of the four insurgents who remains unidentified. No one was hurt or killed among the government forces.
More casualties from the rebels’ side are expected after authorities saw traces of blood along the NPAs escape route.
Recovered from the site of the encounter were high-powered firearms namely two M14s, two M16s, one M203 and several subversive documents.
Meantime, Pramis also announced the arrest of 53-year-old Emmanuel Alindogan Mores alias Crispulo Alindogan Monday.
Mores is known as the Finance Officer and Secretay of the CPP/NPA/NDF in Sorsogon and was also being pursued due to a standing warrant of arrest against him regarding an attempted murder filed against him.
The warrant was issued by Judge Victor C.Gella of RTC Branch 52.
The region has been bugged by countless clashes that In 2013, the former governor of Sorsogon Raul lee appealed to the NPA and the government forces to initiate a meaningful dialog that will start in the local level in order to preserve life and explore all avenues to implement doable formula for a lasting peace.
Lee had offered the resources of the Provincial Government as an initial step and reaching out the rebels and the military for an end to the hostilities especially in the province of Sorsogon.
However, fighting has been going on as of yesterday. (Ruel Saldico)