Soldier killed in Lambunao clash with Reds
Government troopers engaged yesterday in a 30-minute gunfire with a group of communist-terrorists New People's Army (NPA) in Lambunao, Iloilo.
The encounter left one Army soldier dead identified as Private First Class Norly Camilon while at least seven of the communist-terrorist rebels are believed to have been seriously injured or killed. The NPAs are estimated to be at least 25.
The incident occurred in Barangay Sagcop of said town at about 11:30 in the morning, some twelve kilometers from the town proper. Locals scampered for safety as the first round of bullets were fired and heard from at least 50 meters from the encounter site.
In an interview, Army Col. Renato David, 301st Infantry Batallion Commander told The News Today (TNT) that pursuit operations continued immediately after the rebels withdrew from the area. Exit point is believed to be north of Barangay Sagcop with the area thickly forested. Barangay Sagcop is a hinterland village and is the boundary barangay of Lambunao and Calinog, Iloilo. It is also known as among the villages of concern with presence of the communist-terrorists here.
The government troopers under Charlie Company of the 47th IB of the 3rd Infantry Division were on combat patrol when they chanced upon the rebels. PFC Camilon fell on the initial gunfire as Staff Sergeant Buenvinito Trero positioned his men for the ensuing exchange. Back-up for reinforcement was called thereafter.
No civilians were caught in the crossfire, Col. David said while adding that as of press time, verification is being made to ascertain the extent of casualties from the enemy side. No other army troopers was injured.
Independent investigation made by TNT disclosed initial recovery made by the government agents of one M16 armalite rifle, one caliber 30 Carbine, one Garand, numerous magazines of ammunitions, subversive documents and personal belongings left in haste by the rebels.
The communist-terrorists in the area are remnants of the NPA ragtag army of the Central Front Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines here.
Lambunao is one of the Iloilo towns where extortion and harassments of the rebels are reported and expected to heighten with the campaign period for the May elections. Extortion letters that offers "permit to campaign" to local bets in villages including Barangay Sagcop are known to have been sent to a number of candidates.
Col. David assured that government action and reaction to yesterday's encounter are underway with the entire government operation in the area "under control."