Army soldiers clash with rebels in Capiz

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Heavy bloodstains, firearms, and explosives were left behind by suspected New People’s Army (NPA) following an armed battle with Philippine Army members early morning of Feb 17, 2023 in Tapaz, Capiz.

Reports from the 3rd Infantry Division indicated that members of the 12th Infantry (Lick ‘Em) Battalion were on patrol when they encountered around five suspected rebels at the hinterland village of Duran around 5:28 a.m.

The soldiers have been patrolling the area following repeated reports from residents about the armed group’s presence.

The rebels were allegedly into extortion activities, Lieutenant Colonel Magno Mapalad, 3rd Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO) chief, claimed.

He added that the fully armed rebels belong to the NPA’s Central Front.

The firefight lasted for only five minutes. The rebels subsequently withdrew toward the southeast direction of Dumalag.

When the troops scoured the area, they seized a homemade 12-gauge shotgun, a caliber .45 pistol, two anti-personnel mines with detonator switches, a hand grenade, five magazines for M16 rifle,  two magazines for .45 cal pistol, assorted live ammunition,  personal belongings, assorted medicine and subversive documents.

Mapalad said that the heavy bloodstains on the rebels’ escape route indicate that there are rebels who were severely wounded.

There was no casualty on the government side.