Firearms seized after military clash with NPAs

MANILA, Philippines — Several firearms were seized by government troops in a clash with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels Tuesday morning, the Philippine Army said.

In a statement, Lieutenant Colonel Julian Pacatan, Commanding Officer of the 9th Infantry Battalion based in Milagros town, said that the clash occurred at around 5:40 a.m. in Barangay (village) Gabi, Baleno town.

He added that he sent his troops on security patrols upon receiving reports from citizens on the presence of heavily-armed rebels in the village.

“A squad of my soldiers where approaching the village when they chanced upon more or less 10 heavily-armed rebels along the way. A 10-minute gunfight ensued after which the rebels fled with their casualties leaving behind several firearms,” said Pacatan.

Among those seized from the rebels include one M16 rifle, one M14 rifle, one improvised caliber 5.56 rifle, one homemade shotgun, three caliber 38, four improvised claymore mines, and two anti-tank landmines.

“Our troops are conducting regular security patrols in anticipation of any attack that the NPAs may stage as they commemorate their founding anniversary on December 26.  We are monitoring the possibility that the rebels will mount attacks on government installations and against security forces,” Pacatan said.