Army recovers NPA ammunition in Sorsogon

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines  – Elements of the 49th Infantry Batallion recovered an M14 rifle and ammunition in Barangay San Isidro in Barcelona town, Sorsogon, five days after a bloody encounter that left two New People’s Army rebel killed, two wounded and one captured on Dec. 9.

Lt. Col. Santiago Enginco said his men recovered an M14 rifle and 42 rounds of ammunition about 1 p.m. Saturday in the same barangay where the encounter took place five days ago, after the rebels informed him where they hid the high powered firearm.

“Our sincerity in showing we care for them by bringing them to the hospital and helping their family for their hospitalization has paid off,” Engino told The STAR in a text message.

Enginco said Ka Joshua and Ka Roma were killed during the encounter while Elmer Escobedo alias “Alvin” and Jay­son Dolfina alias “Butch” who is the acting Front Committee 79 commander of the NPA in the area, are now being treated at the Sorsogon Provincial Hospital.

Recovered during the encounter were a laptop computer, a .45 caliber pistol and a .38 caliber revolver, three MK2 handgrenades, three motorcycles, a cellphone, communist propaganda materials and personal belongings.

Enginco said a certain Eleuterio Mangamp alias “Jun-Jun” former Front Committee 79 commander was killed on Oct. 20.

Major General Ruperto Pabusta, commanding general of the 9th Infantry Division, has ordered Enginco to extend assistance to the wounded rebels who are still being treated at the Sorsogon Provincial Hospital.

Pabustan also said the captured communist rebel, Nelson Punila alias “Juvy” is now helping the Armed Forces to convince his former comrades to take advantage of the amnesty offered by the government now that the GRP-CPP peace panel has approved the Christmas ceasefire effective Dec. 16.

“It’s better for the captured NPA rebel to convince his comrades who are still hiding in the hills. The Armed Forces is sincere in forging a lasting peace in Sorsogon province and the Bicol region as a whole.” 

Enginco said FC 79 has 14 armed regulars with seven high powered firearms while FC 80 has 18 armed regulars and with 12 high powered firearms.