Gun, ammos seized in clash between Army, NPA in Leon

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A firearm and ammunition were recovered following an armed encounter between Philippine Army members and New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Leon, Iloilo morning of June 5, 2023.

The clash happened after members of the 61st Infantry Battalion received information about the presence of suspected armed rebels at the boundary of barangays Carara-an and Igcadios in Leon town.

The soldiers allegedly encountered seven rebels at around 6:45 a.m. Monday.

Lieutenant Colonel Harold Garcia, 61st IB commander, said the rebels could be members of Sibat (SYP) Platoon of the NPA’s Southern Front, Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay under Jennel Tacaisan alias Rico.

Recovered during the encounter were a caliber .45 pistol, four backpacks, 48 rounds of caliber 5.56mm ball for M16A1, five pieces of caliber .45 ammunition, a detonator for an anti-personnel mine, an electrical wire, a medicine kit, and three hammocks.

Garcia said there was no casualty on the government side.