Communist rebel killed in Ifugao

By: Bong Lozada - 10 years ago

MANILA, Philippines—Government troops killed a member of the communist rebel group, the New People’s Army, after an hour-long firefight at Barangay Damag, Aguinaldo, Ifugao Thursday early morning.

In a statement from the Philippine Army, members of the 54th Infantry (Magilas) Battalion were conducting a security patrol in the area when they encountered NPA rebels under Kilusang Larangang Guerilya at around 5:30 am.

There were no reported casualties from the government side while several were wounded from the communist rebels.

Lieutenant Colonel Eddie Pilapil, commanding officer the 54th Infantry Battalion, said the rebels used the villagers’ houses as shield during the skirmish.

“The presence of the NPA were reported by the civilians in the area who have grown tired and disgusted because of continued extortion activities of the NPA remnants in their barangay,” Pilapil said.

Government troops recovered one Bandolier with six short magazines for M16 rifles, one rifle grenade, an improvised antenna for radios, and other subversive paraphernalia.