NPA killed in Iloilo clash

NPA killed in Iloilo clash

A member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed in an encounter while nine others were arrested by military forces in Igbaras, Iloilo on Monday afternoon, following an attempt to burn down several facilities of an energy firm. The Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB) said the rebel was killed by the troops who responded to reports by civilians about the presence of “fully armed” communist rebels in Sitio Butuan, Barangay Igcabugao of Igbaras. The firefight lasted for about 30 minutes. No Army personnel hurt during the encounter. Lt. Col. Sisenando Magbalot Jr., 61IB commanding officer, said troops also found an abandoned cadaver of the slain rebel along with a backpack, improvised explosive device and a bandolier for a 5.56mm. Nine individuals were held after the encounter. The military also recovered three gallons of gasoline suspected brought by the rebels to burn down the facilities of Century Peak Energy Corp. (CPEC). Magbalot recalled that in August, a pick-up ferry with employees on board escorted by 61IB personnel were ambushed by the communist rebels. One employee was wounded. In 2015, he added, the rebels also torched several heavy equipment of CPEC that was constructing mini-hydro project in the village.