7 suspected rebels killed in Isabela, Ilocos Sur clashes

GAMU, Isabela, Philippines — Seven suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed in separate clashes with government soldiers in Isabela and Ilocos Sur provinces on Sunday, the military said.

Army Maj. Noriel Tayaban, spokesperson for the 5th Infantry Division, said a 15-minute gunbattle ensued between the soldiers and 50 rebels from the NPA Central Front in the mountains of Rang-ayan in Ilagan City in Isabela.

Killed were the rebel group’s squad leader known only as “Ka Bobby” and its medical officer, “Ka Princess.” The third fatality has yet to be identified.

In Ilocos Sur, three officers and a member of the rebel group Komiteng Larangang Gerilya-South Ilocos Sur were killed in a gunfight with soldiers.

The fatalities were identified as Julius Marquez (Ka Goyo), the group’s secretary; Ennabel Balunos (Ka Onor/Leah), deputy secretary; and Ma. Finela Mejia (Ka Ricky), poli¬tical officer and guide.

They belonged to the Alfredo Cesar Command.

The rebels engaged the troops from the 81st Infantry Battalion at Barangay Namatican in Sta. Lucia town, Ilocos Sur, during the military’s operation in the area.

But the NPA’s Chadli Molintas Command operating in the Ilocos-Cordillera regions said the three rebels were murdered.

In a statement, the command cited witnesses saying the three were dragged out of a house before they were shot.—Villamor Visaya Jr., Armand Galang and Kimberlie Quitasol