Soldiers, NPAs clash in Mt. Province

MANILA, Philippines - Army soldiers clashed with suspected New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Mountain Province on Sunday.

Army spokesman Maj. Harold Cabunoc said soldiers encountered a band of communist rebels in the mountainous village of Alab. 

Lt. Col. Steve Crespillo, commander of the 54th battalion, said a platoon of his troops had been conducting security patrols when they chanced upon 30 insurgents at around 10:30 a.m. 

The rebels reportedly belong to a NPA unit led by Ambrocio Aron. Crespillo said the insurgents had fired at the soldiers, triggering a two-hour firefight. 

“My soldiers inflicted casualties on the rebels’ side but they gradually retreated, carrying their fallen comrades,” Crespillo said in a statement. 

“They left behind several of their belongings including four high-powered firearms and seven hand-held VHF radio transceivers,” he added. 

Soldiers recovered a 7.62 mm M14 assault rifle, two 5.56mm M16 assault rifles and an M203 grenade launcher. Some subversive documents, live ammunition and bandoliers were also seized from the NPA members who fled toward the hinterlands. 

“No one was injured among the soldiers who have mounted relentless pursuit operations against the NPA rebels,” Cabunoc said.