Gov’t forces engage rebels in gunfight

By Jennifer P. Rendon

No one from the government forces was killed nor injured following a short gun battle with suspected New People’s Army (NPA) afternoon of June 28, 2022 in a hinterland village of Lambunao, Iloilo.

As to casualties on the rebel side, “it’s undetermined,” the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division said.

According to reports, members of the 82nd Infantry Division were conducting combat operations when they encountered around eight armed persons in the vicinity of Sitio Barangbang, Barangay Cabatangan, Lambunao around 3:20 p.m. Tuesday.

The rebels could be members of the Baloy Platoon of the Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay’s Central Front, the 3rd ID added.

Following the encounter, the 82nd IB, together with the PNP’s Regional Mobile Force Battalion 6 (RFMB-6) conducted a follow-up combat operation in the area.

Captain Kim Apitong, 3rd ID commander, said that the encounter was an offshoot of the information given by residents in the area.

“As monitored, they planned to conduct extortion and also to create atrocities in the area,” he said.

More than a week ago, Philippine Army soldiers also clashed with suspected NPAs at a hinterland village in Leon town.

Apitong said that their continuous combat operations is a part of our security preparation to the threat posed by CPP-NPA on the upcoming June 30 inauguration of the incoming president.