Security forces intercept NPA fighters in Leyte
MANILA, Philippines — Army troopers foiled an alleged attempt by communist rebels to intercept on Monday night the delivery of relief goods for Typhoon Odette victims in a Leyte town.
The Army’s 14th Infantry Battalion (IB) received information of the New People’s Army’s (NPA) plot and immediately deployed troops who engaged an undetermined number of NPA rebels in a forested area in Abuyog town, Leyte, around 10 p.m. on Monday and caused the communist rebels to flee.
Lt. Col. Ernesto de la Rosa, commander of the 14th IB, said an informant tipped off security forces about NPA plans to disrupt the delivery of relief foods to families affected by the typhoon.
Maj. Gen. Edgardo De Leon, chief of the Army 8th Infantry Division, assured typhoon victims that local and national government agencies and volunteers are working together to make sure that much needed aid promptly reaches them.
