Correspondence Reports
NPA in Tarlac turns defensive battle to tactical victory

Basahin ang artikulong ito sa Pilipino

Red fighters under the Nelson Mesina Command of the New People�s Army (NPA) prevailed in a defensive battle in Sitio Umangan, Barangay Balite, Pura, Tarlac that took place from the night of October 10 to October 11. This is in spite of a brigade-size force of Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force and Philippine National Police troops that cordoned off and combed the eight-hectare sugarcane field where the NPA had taken cover. The enemy dropped bombs from helicopters; used tanks, machine guns and two sniffing dogs on the Red fighters, but the latter were still able to elude them.

Not a single Red fighter was killed, wounded or captured during this large-scale operation. On the other hand, 14 were killed and many were wounded among the ranks of the reactionary enemy.

The guerrillas skillfully used the relatively small sugarcane field to defend and maneuver themselves. As soon as the first volley of gunfire erupted, three Scout Ranger troops were felled. Because of the early collapse of enemy morale, the NPA was quickly able to seize the initiative. After 30 minutes, the commander of the assaulting Scout Rangers was likewise hit and killed, causing the military�s fighting spirit and capacity to decline even further.

By nightfall, the NPA was able to retreat towards their guerrilla base, using as additional cover the strong downpour to slip through the enemy cordon. On the other hand, the reactionary state�s paid troops merely sought cover from the rain.

Meanwhile, residents of Pura and surrounding areas were angered no end when soldiers and policemen forced them to evacuate, illegally entered and ransacked their homes, stole their food and dropped bombs on and damaged the sugarcane field.

(Based on an article from Himagsik, the revolutionary mass paper in Central Luzon )

21 November 2004
English Edition

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