Soldier killed in Quezon clash

CAMP GUILLERMO NAKAR, Lucena City, Philippines – A soldier was killed when members of the government security forces clashed with suspected New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas in Catanauan, Quezon, on Friday.

The fatality was identified as Pfc Ronald Denopol, 25, of the 74th Infantry Battalion.

Lt. Col. Neil Anthony Estrella, spokesperson for the Southern Luzon Command, said the troops were on patrol in Sitio Pangi, Barangay Doongan Ilaya, when they encountered the guerrillas at about 8: 15 a.m.

The firefight lasted for over an hour.

Rights group in Southern Tagalog said that during the encounter, villagers were forced to leave their homes for fear that they might get caught in the crossfire.

The group said 27 villagers are currently under their care.

Meanwhile, Army troops recovered a high-powered firearm after engaging NPA guerrillas in a firefight in a remote village in Abra the other day, the military reported yesterday.

The 5th Infantry Division (ID) based in Isabela said the encounter between the soldiers from 41st Infantry Battalion and some 20 rebels in Barangay Gacab, Malibcong town lasted for several minutes. 

Reports said the troopers, led by 1Lt.Jesson Capoquian, were responding for reports from civilians about the presence of armed group in the village.

1Lt. Rowena Abayon, of the 5th ID’s public affairs office, said the troops recovered one M653 rifle.

The Army said the rebels suffered casualties, as they noted villagers’ claims that they saw the NPAs carrying their wounded colleagues while retreating toward the hinterlands.