Army troops clash with suspected rebels in Capiz

By Jennifer P. Rendon

War materials were recovered following an armed clash between the Philippine Army’s 301st Division Reconnaissance Company and suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels morning of March 11 at Tapaz, Capiz.

After the firefight, soldiers recovered a Magnum .357 revolver, three improvised Anti-Personnel Mine (APM), a time bomb, a detonator switch, a magazine for an M16 rifle, assorted live ammunition, electrical wires, and personal belongings.

But Army troopers believed that there were wounded rebels during the encounter.

Colonel Michael Samson, 301st Infantry Brigade commander, said the soldiers found heavy blood stains at the rebels’ escape route.

Members of the 301st DRC, a unit under the tactical control of the 12th Infantry (Lick ’Em) Battalion, launched a combat operation following reports of around five rebels at the hinterland village of Santa Petronila, Tapaz.

“As reported to our troops, the rebels were conducting extortion activities in the area,” Samson said.

A five-minute firefight ensued between the 301st DRC soldiers and the rebels around 7:00 a.m.

The latter immediately withdrew.

But five minutes into their escape, they again encountered another group of soldiers.

They then retreated after a minute of firefight.