NPAs disrupt relief goods distribution in Masbate, Samar

MANILA, Philippines — The distribution of relief goods in Aroroy, Masbate was disrupted on Friday after New People’s Army (NPA) rebels attacked government troopers.

Capt. John Paul Belleza, spokesman for the 9th Infantry Division, said soldiers of the Second Infantry Battalion and police officers were helping distribute relief goods in Barangay Cabas-an when they were fired at by around 15 NPA rebels.

In Samar, NPA guerrillas reportedly snatched food packs from barangay officials in Guinmayohan, Balangiga town on Tuesday.

Quoting witnesses, Col. Camilo Ligayo, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade, said NPA rebels led by a certain Gavino Guarino, alias Mael, swooped down on Sitio Bangon.

“The NPA action caused a shortage of relief packs... leaving other supposed beneficiaries with nothing,” Ligayo said. 

Also on Tuesday, responding soldiers clashed with NPA rebels who allegedly snatched relief goods intended for residents of Barangay Lakandula in Las Navas, Northern Samar.