2 suspected NPA rebels killed in Northern Samar clash

TACLOBAN CITY – Two suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed while a soldier was wounded in an encounter in Pambujan, Northern Samar on Saturday.

The fatalities were identified as Jerry Lutao alias “Nadi” and Brando Obiado alias “Idol” and team leader of the front committee I, sub-regional committee of the rebel group operating in Northern Samar.

Private First Class Perry Idanan was wounded  and was last listed in stable condition.

The two sides engaged in a 20-minute firefight in Sitio Badulan, Barangay Cagbigajo, a remote village more than five kilometers away from the town center.

Troops from the 19th Infantry Battalion headed by Lt. Col. Marvin Maraggun, were in the area to respond to an information that the 10 communist rebels were there to harass the locals.

The government troops also recovered three high-powered firearms.

Meanwhile, government troops also recovered three firearms from alleged rebels following a separate encounter in a remote village in Catbalogan City, Samar.

The firearms were recovered by the members of the 87th Infantry Battalion after they engaged the rebels in Barangay Bangon at about 10:40 a.m. on Friday.

During his visit to Northern Samar on July 14, President Marcos said he was confident that the insurgency problem in Eastern Visayas, particularly in Northern Samar, will end within the year.

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