Military intensifies operations vs rebels

MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has intensified operations against a remaining unit of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Northern Luzon.

From April 5 to 11, troops under the Joint Task Force Tala of the Army’s 5th Infantry Division (ID) launched security operations after unidentified armed men were spotted in the mountainous area of Kabugao town in Apayao.

The AFP’s Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) said a recent firefight between government troops and suspected NPA guerrillas belonging to the Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Committee (ICRC) resulted in the recovery of several firearms including rifles, pistols, a grenade launcher and improvised explosive devices (IED) as well as phones and subversive documents.

Military units in the area have been ordered to continue pursuit operations, establish blocking positions and coordinate with the local police and medical facilities to intercept any fleeing rebel.

“Our troops remain focused and determined. This is part of our relentless pursuit to deny communist terrorist groups of a safe haven. We are committed to hit them hard and sustain pressure until peace and security are achieved in the region,” Nolcom chief Lt. Gen. Fernyl Buca said.

The military has condemned the NPA for using IEDs. It urged the public and families of wounded rebels to cooperate with authorities and help facilitate the provision of proper medical attention to their relatives.

He said bloodstains were found at the scene of the encounter, indicating the rebels suffered injuries during the encounter.

Buca said the Nolcom is bent on dismantling the NPA-ICRC.

“The command is determined to decimate all remaining communist terrorist groups,” Buca said.