Victorious NPA offensives
19 firearms seized in 2 offensives in Bontoc
Nineteen high-powered rifles and other military equipment were confiscated by fighters of the New People�s Army (NPA) Leonardo Pacsi Command in two successive tactical offensives this July 15 in Bontoc, Mountain Province.
Troops of the 71st IB were on their way back to their headquarters in Fort Magsaysay in Laur, Nueva Ecija when an NPA platoon ambushed the six-wheeler truck they were riding at around 3 p.m. in Sitio Talubin, Bontoc. The Red fighters seized seven M16s, one M14 and a .45. Eight soldiers were killed in the firefight, while one was seriously wounded.
Before this, the NPA attacked the detachment the 54th IB in Talubin Proper that same morning. The Red fighters took control of the detachment and burned it down. They seized five M14s, five garands, a carbine and ammunition. Two soldiers were killed and two others were wounded.
Meanwhile, according to latest reports, nine soldiers were killed in fighting between the NPA and the AFP on July 5 in East Maguisguis, Botolan, Zambales. Earlier reports placed enemy casualties at five wounded.
PNP in Catbalogan ambushed; 2 firearms seized
An M16 and a 9 mm were confiscated and one policeman wounded when the NPA ambushed the vehicle ridden by PNP Samar chief P/Supt. Conrado Calvario. The police were headed for Tacloban City to welcome Pres. Gloria Arroyo when a bomb was detonated on the patrol car they were riding along the highway in Barangay Socorro, Catbalogan.
Soldiers, police ambushed in Abra
A squad from the NPA Agustin Begnalen Command in Abra ambushed combined elements of the 17th IB and PNP on May 16 in Barangay Lingas, Lagangilang, Abra. Two soldiers were killed and four wounded in the ambush. The NPA was able to retreat safely, while the surprised enemy was not even able to launch pursuit operations.
To cover up for their embarrassment, the 17th IB merely spread intrigues against the NPA. They staged the surrender of two men who had already left the NPA ten years ago and also revived claims that the NPA was recruiting minors. (From Dangadang, revolutionary paper in the Ilocos-Cordillera region)
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