NPA seizes 17 firearms in Camarines
The New People’s Army (NPA) was able to seize 17 firearms, including 10 high-powered rifles, in three successive military actions in Bicol in the past weeks.
On March 19, the NPA-Camarines Norte attacked the outpost of the Philippine National Police (PNP) 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company at Purok 6, Barangay Dumagmang, Labo, Camarines Norte. Red fighters were able to confiscate a baby M60 machine gun, an R4 carbine, six Galil rifles, and six Glock pistols.
Five were killed during the offensive, including PCpl. Roger Estoy, while two others were wounded. The tactical offensive was the NPA’s response to the spate of killings and attacks perpetrated by the police and military against the residents of Camarines Norte.
In Camarines Sur, the NPA ambushed operating elements of the PNP Special Action Force and military in Barangay Tigman, Sipocot on March 4. Two enemy troops were killed and two others were wounded.
On February 1, the NPA was able to confiscate the weapons of the Villafuerte family’s goons in Barangay Villazar, Sipocot in the same province. Seized during the offensive were an M16 rifle, two carbines and ammunition. Residents have long been complaining against the threats and harassment perpetrated by the despotic family. They are among the most despotic landlords and local officials in the barangay.
Ozamiz City. The NPA-Misamis Occidental ambushed the troops of the 10th IB in Barangay Guimad last March 6. Eight soldiers were killed and another was killed. They were attacked while conducting combat operations in the area. The Air Force bombed the place after the encounter resulting in the destruction of the environment and farmlands. Quezon. A unit of the NPA-Quezon ambushed operating troops of the 201st IBde at Sitio Colong, Barangay San Francisco B, Lopez on March 5. Three soldiers were killed and another was wounded.
Occidental Mindoro. A unit of the NPA-Mindoro sniped at operating troops of the 4th IB in Barangay Manoot, Rizal on March 3. The said soldiers have been scouring the area and nearby barangays for more a week.
Western Samar. A unit of the BHB-Western Samar foiled the attack mounted by more than 100 troops of the 46th IB in Barangay Canlobo, Pinabacdao on February 8. Two soldiers were reportedly killed. After the encounter, the military dropped eight bombs and shelled the area four times. They also strafed the area for 45 minutes.
Panay. The NPA-Panay launched six offensives against the military and police units responsible for the massacre and arrest of Tumandoks in the past months. Two enemy troopers were killed and five others were wounded.
On March 11, the NPA fired at a unit of the 12th IB conducting Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) operations in Barangay Panuran, Lambunao. Red fighters also fired at responding military troops in Barangay Agcarope, Janiuay. On the next day, the NPA blasted a police vehicle in Barangay Pughanan, Lambunao. Two police personnel were wounded.
On March 3, the NPA blasted another police vehicle in Barangay Canawili, Janiuay.
In Southern Iloilo, the NPA fired at the soldiers of the 79th IB in Barangay Iglilico, San Joaquin on February 18. Two soldiers were reportedly killed and three others were wounded.
In Capiz, the NPA fired at elements of the 12th IB conducting ng RCSP operations in Barangay Buri, Tapaz on February 26.