3 suspected NPA members killed in Leyte town encounter

Three alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in an encounter with government troops from the 93rd Infantry Battalion in a hinterland village in Carigara, Leyte, on Tuesday. INQUIRER File Photo

TACLOBAN CITY – Three alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in an encounter with government troops from the 93rd Infantry Battalion in a hinterland village in Carigara, Leyte, on Tuesday.

The encounter occurred at around 7:51 a.m. in a remote area locally known as “Hiraya” in Barangay Cogon, Carigara, near the boundary of the neighboring town of Tunga.

A platoon of soldiers led by Captain Jonnell Parayno was conducting their military operation in the area when they engaged at least five armed rebels believed to be members of Squad 2, IC LEVOX.

Based on the initial report, the operation resulted in the deaths of three rebels identified as Juanito Sellesa Jr., alias Tibor, executive committee member of IC LEVOX; Eugene Paclita, alias Dimple, squad leader; and Lito Laurente Delante, alias Dodong, squad member.

No casualties were reported on the government side.

Troops also recovered several war materiel at the encounter site, including one M16 rifle with two long magazines; one .45 caliber pistol with two magazines; one hand grenade; subversive documents, and other personal belongings.

The military said pursuit operations are ongoing to track down other members of the armed group who fled following the firefight.

The 93IB has been intensifying its operations in Northern Leyte as part of efforts to dismantle remaining NPA units in Eastern Visayas./coa