BANGUED, ABRA ,Philippines – Government troops overran a New People’s Army (NPA) camp in Sallapadan town in Abra Friday morning, a military official said.
Capt. Eduardo Sia-ed said at least three NPA rebels were also killed when members of the 503rd Infantry Brigade (IB) soldiers swooped down on the NPA camp in Sitio Nagas-asan in Barangay Ud-udiao at around 10:30 a.m.
“We were informed by the residents of Barangay Ud-udiao that the bandits were carrying their dead comrades while fleeing from the firefight. The rebels fled when two helicopters began providing air support to ground troops engaging them, “Sia-ed said.
Sia-ed said the rebels used the camp to plan terror attacks in the province.
Villagers have reported to government forces that the rebels also held firing exercises in the camp.
Sia-ed said the rebels have also been forcing each household in the area to give them rice. They also threaten the people against reporting to authorities about their activities.
Col. Eliseo Posadas, commander of the 503rd IB, said the rebels were also recruiting out-of-school youth to join their ranks. – With Raymund Catindig