ILOILO CITY, Philippines – Government troops overran a suspected camp of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Igbaras town, Iloilo following a brief firefight Wednesday afternoon.
The soldiers from the Army’s 82nd Infantry Battalion (IB) were conducting security operations in Barangay Igcabugao when suspected NPA guerrillas reportedly shot at them, said Lt. Col. Aldwine Almase, commanding officer of the 82nd IB.
No one among the soldiers was reported injured or killed in the five-minute firefight.
Almase said the rebels, allegedly led by a certain alias Toto, could have incurred casualties as pursuing soldiers found bloodstains along the rebels’ escape route.
Villagers led the troops to a suspected rebel camp that could accommodate around 100 people.
Soldiers found at the camp an improvised kitchen, foxholes, a firing range and an area believed used for holding meetings.
The troops recovered material believed used in making improvised explosive devices and personal belongings.
Residents complained that Toto’s group had been demanding money and food from them.