Victorious NPA offensives
Offensive in Bulacan: 7 enemy soldiers killed, 11 wounded
NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY (NPA) guerrillas in Eastern Bucalan turned the tables on a joint PNP-AFP force that attempted to encircle them on March 29 in Angat, Bulacan. Seven enemy soldiers were killed and 11 were wounded. Two Red fighters were martyred in the offensive.
A 25-strong platoon of the NPA-Eastern Bulacan front had gathered that day in Pulong Yantok, Angat for a study session and celebration to mark the 34th anniversary of the NPA. They first spotted the police and military forces approaching at about 5:30 in the morning. Since they were at a vantage position, they were able to snipe at the enemy first.
Despite the enemy's superiority in terms of arms and number, the NPA were able to maintain initiative in the firefight. The Red fighters confiscated six M16s, one .45 pistol and six bandoliers of bullets. Apart from the two martyred Red fighters, the rest of the platoon safely retreated. A so-called pursuit operation by the police up to Barangays Matandang Sili and Engkanto in Pandi town proved futile.
Among those killed was Chief Inspector Expedito Delgado, vice director of the 305th PMG. Among the wounded were Supt. Fernando Villanueva, commander of the 305th PMG-PNP who was hit in the right shoulder and right ear, Insp. Lauro Apostol of the Meycauayan PNP, Insp. Solomon of the Special Action Force-PNP and Capt. Mario Marron of the 56th IB.
The entire revolutionary movement salutes and pays tribute to the heroism of the two martyrs, Arnel San Juan (Ka Gerald) and Norbel Ortega (Ka Cani). Heartfelt condolences were also extended to their loved ones.
Elsewhere in the country...
The NPA launched a number of successful tactical offensives nationwide in conjunction with the commemoration of its 34th founding anniversary. Fifteen soldiers were killed in firefights with the NPA in the second half of March.
Oriental Mindoro. The NPA ambushed and killed five soldiers from the 68th IB in Pinamalayan on March 22. Seized from the troops were four M16s and an M203 grenade launcher.
A bomb was thrown at the truck they were riding, killing four soldiers on the spot, including their commander. A soldier who was wounded later died.
Another ambush was launched on the night of March 27 against a platoon of the 16th IB and Task Force Arrowhead in Sitio Balite, Barangay Hagan, Bongabon. One soldier was killed on the spot while another died before reaching the Roxas District Hospital.
Palawan. A CAFGU element was killed while a soldier of the 2nd Marine Battalion Landing Team of the Philippine Marines was wounded in an encounter with the NPA in Barangay San Rafael, Puerto Princesa City on March 26.
Bohol. Two soldiers were brought to the Central Command Hospital of Camp Lapu-lapu, Cebu City on March 28 after an encounter with Red fighters in Sitio Masingin, Barangay Tabuk, Danao. A sergeant from the 6th Special Forces Battalion was wounded in the thigh while a soldier from Charlie Coy, 15th IB was hit in the left leg. This occurred two days after another soldier died in Penducon, Barangay Cabatuan, Danao.
Bukidnon. Three soldiers from the 31st Special Forces Battalion and an element of the CAFGU was killed in an ambush in Dao, San Fernando on the 34th anniversary of the NPA's establishment. A Red fighter was martyred in the firefight.
Albay. NPA guerrillas ambushed soldiers of the 22nd IB on patrol in Tababo, Pio Duran on the afternoon of March 30. One soldier was killed on the spot in the first volley of fire.
Thousands attend Ka Bob's burial
Some 2,500 people attended the funeral of Ismaelito "Ka Bob" Giganto in Tapaz, Capiz on March 29. Ka Bob, commander of the Jose Percival Estocado Command, was martyred in an NPA ambush on February 24. Seven soldiers of the Special Operations Team under Task Force Panay were killed in this operation in Daan Sur, Tapaz.
Most of those who attended were dressed in red to express solidarity with the revolutionary movement and their condolences for the death of a revolutionary. Relatives of Ka Bob carried flags of the CPP and NPA. Tributes given by the Coronacion "Waling-Waling" Chiva Command of Panay Island and the Jose Percival Estocado Command-Central Front were read during the burial ceremonies.
Mass evacuations worsening in Mindanao
The number of refugees in Mindanao is increasing, exceeding recorded evacuations resulting from war in the last five years, according to the latest tally. There were 122,114 evacuees in the last five months alone. Most of them came from the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat. In the refugee centers of Pikit, North Cotabato alone, there are about 47,000 evacuees including 15,000 children. As of the last count, 36 children have died, with another 13 added on April 2. Up to 366 children are confined in hospitals due to various illnesses.
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