Ang Pahayagan

BALER, Aurora – SEVEN alleged members of the Komiteng Rehiyong Gitnang Luzon of the Communist New Peoples Army including their top commander were killed in an armed encounter with the soldiers of the 84th Infantry (Victorious) Battalion, Philippine Army in Brgy. Malbang, Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija on Wednesday afternoon, June 26.

703rd Infantry (Agila) Brigade commander, Brigadier General Joseph Norwin D. Pasamonte said in an interview that the combat operations followed after the soldiers of the 84IB conducted a hot pursuit following an aerial operation held in the hinterlands of Sitio Marikit East, Barangay Abuyo, Alfonso Castaneda, Nueva Vizcaya last June 20, 2024.

He said the operating troops recovered three (3) M14 rifles, six (6) M16 rifles, one (1) M16 with M203 attached rifle, one (1) low-powered firearm, subversive documents, and personal belongings from the encounter site.

Another top commander was also killed identified as Harold Minoza, alias kumander Luzon of the dismantled Komiteng Larangang Guerrilla Sierra Madre (KLG-SM) of the NPA in Aurora province was also killed.

Luzon is a resident of Barangay Ditumabo, San Luis, Aurora.

Pasamonte attributed the success of the operation to the active cooperation of the peace-loving community in Pantabangan who work hand-in-hand with the security sector to preserve the peace.

“The community’s active cooperation has a big impact on the results of this operation. Their full support to the Army has paved the way to more significant peace and security accomplishments in our Area of Operations. We assure you our strong commitment to the community in preserving the peace that we have been working on for years,” BGen. Pasamonte said.

 “I am deeply saddened that our brother Filipinos died because of the trickery of the CTG. We can prevent further loss of lives if the remaining members would only join us in our mainstream society. Nandito kami handang ipagtanggol ang ating mga kababayang ang nais lamang ay kapayapaan at katiwasayan,” he added.

Hot pursuit operations continue to clear the encounter site and ensure the safety of the community.

On the other hand, Lieutenant Colonel Jerald Reyes, Commanding Officer, 84IB said the hot pursuit operation was part of the unit’s efforts to immediately locate and run after the enemy after they spread fear among the people of Alfonso Castaneda.

“Mayroon po tayong nakuhang pitong (7) bangkay mula sa mga CTG at naka rekober po tayo ng sampung (10) mga matataas na klase ng armas. Napigilan po natin ang kanilang planong maibalik ang kanilang impluwensiya sa kumonidad gamit ang pananakot. Actually, hinabol namin ang mga ito galing Aurora to Nueva Vizcaya ngayon dito sa Nueva Ecija. Kaya naman po lubos ang aming pasalamat sa mga tao sa kanilang suporta sa mga kasundaluhan. Tinitiyak din po namin ang kaligtasan ng mamamayan ng Nueva Ecija laban sa banta ng mga teroristang grupo,” Reyes said.

The cadavers were brought in Stairway Funeral Parlor in Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija. “Rest assured that the remains of the fallen NPAs will treated with utmost respect,” Pasamonte said. (Jason de Asis)