NPA killed in DavOr clash rise to 3, 2 more believed to be dead; troops recover bombs, high powered firearms

Press Release
By DPAO, 10th Infantry Division, PA
February 10, 2010

CAMP APOLINARIO, Panacan, Davao City  –  At least three New People’s Army (NPA) terrorists were killed in a clash with soldiers in the village of New Visayas in Lupon town in Davao Oriental province 7:00 AM Saturday while two more are believed to be dead.

The fatalities were identified as Anthony Ang alias Junjun of Brgy Baon, Leonilo Lucnod Alias Michael of Brgy San Roque both of San Isidro in Davao Oriental and Romel Duran alias Rolan whose address is yet to be ascertained. The cadavers of the NPAs who were left behind by their comrades were brought to the town proper by soldiers and local residents for identification and for proper burial so that their relatives can accord them their last respect.

Reports coming from village leaders say two more NPAs were killed in the firefight including a woman. Residents say they were buried in an undisclosed place somewhere in the nearby village of Tagugpo in Lupon town.

Operating troops of the army’s 28th Infantry Battalion responded to information of residents regarding the presence of armed men in their place which resulted to an early morning gunbattle.

Army troops recovered two M16 rifles, four Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), several firing devices, blasting caps, one shotgun, five rifle grenades, nine clips for Garand rifle, ammunitions, two handheld radios, one binocular, assorted medicines, medical paraphernalia and subversive documents.

Maj. Gen. Carlos Holganza, commander of the army’s 10th Infantry Division lauded the concern of local residents in the peace efforts as he expressed grief on the death of the NPAs. “We are moved by the show of support and concern of our citizens in Davao oriental in curbing criminality and terrorism in their place. While we are on a positive note, we grieve over the death of fellow Filipinos who were lured, deceived and exploited by the CPP-NPA-NDF into joining an organization known for its notoriety in killing innocent people and sabotaging our economy with their big-time extortion activity.” Holganza said.

“The recovery of IEDs is a welcome development as our citizens will be a lot safer against the threat of terrorism. The use of IEDs by the NPA only strengthens their notoriety as a terror organization who does not respect Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.” Holganza added.

It maybe recalled that the use of IED as a tactic was publicly admitted by Leoncio Pitao a notorious NPA terrorist leader in Davao.

NPAs consolidated as Satur visits the Province

Residents said they were alarmed by the consolidation of NPA since two days ago before the bloody gunbattle and recalled that this only happens during plenums or when high ranking NPA or a leader of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) comes in their place.

The clash between army soldiers and NPA terrorists happened barely half a day ago as Satur Ocampo, a former high ranking member of the CPP visited the towns of Banaybanay, Lupon and Mati City all in Davao Oriental province. Accompanying Ocampo in the visit were Liza Masa of Gabriela and Rafael Mariano of Anakpawis.