Two NPA members killed in clash

TACLOBAN CITY — Two members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) were killed and two high-powered firearms were recovered in a fierce encounter with government troops in the hinterlands of Barangay Jicontol, Dolores, Eastern Samar, early on 28 October.

The bodies of two unidentified guerillas were found during clearing operations after the rebels fled their camp. No casualties were reported on the government side.

The 8th Infantry Division said the security operation was launched following information from residents about the presence of heavily armed members of the group who were allegedly planning extortion activities and sowing fear among agrarian communities in the area.

The 8ID said troops advancing toward the NPA stronghold encountered a defensive perimeter rigged with numerous anti-personnel landmines, prompting the military to deploy helicopters.

“The enemy’s deliberate deployment of these internationally banned explosives created an imminent and catastrophic hazard to the advancing infantry, designed to inflict maximum casualties on state forces,” the division said.

The 8ID said it authorized the deployment of air assets to protect troops and mitigate the severe threat posed by the landmine network.

“Tactical close air support was utilized to neutralize the explosive hazards from a safe distance, effectively clearing a path for the ground forces and preventing catastrophic loss of troop lives,” the 8ID said.

The military said precision artillery fire was directed at the core of the encampment to weaken fortified bunkers, disrupt defensive lines and suppress enemy fire, preventing casualties on the government side.

Meanwhile, the National Democratic Front (NDF) condemned what it described as the military’s excessive use of force during the encounter, which it claimed caused heavy damage to the community.

Celine Manlimbasog, NDF spokesperson in Eastern Visayas, denied that the NPA was using banned anti-personnel landmines, saying the military was using the allegation to justify bombing communities.

Manlimbasog said the NPA was using command-detonated explosives, which are allowed under the Ottawa Treaty. She said these devices are detonated precisely by a combatant against an armed target within a limited radius.

The NDF added that the NPA had adopted a strategy of increasing the mobility of its units since last year, making it impractical for the group to place numerous command-detonated explosives around a camp it would eventually abandon.