1 M60 seized, 6 troopers killed in NPA offensives in Isabela

September 26, 2005

Six soldiers were killed and an undetermined number wounded in two NPA attacks on government troopers conducting military operations last week in Echague, Isabela.

In a statement sent to the media, Ka Delio Baladon, spokesperson of the Benito Tesorio Command (NPA-Southern Isabela) said that NPA guerrillas raided a platoon of soldiers taking a rest on Saturday in Barangay San Carlos, killing five troopers and wounding an undetermined number. Among the dead were 1Lt. Jerry Fernandez and one PFC Alejandro. The Red fighters were likewise able to seize an M60 machine gun and an M14 rifle.

Another soldier, Cpl. Norly Osio was also killed in an earlier attack on Thursday in Barangay Madadamian. Osio was part of a two-platoon strong contingent of the 54th IB conducting operations in the area. Baladon said the NPA seized an M16 rifle in this attack and withdrew without suffering a single casualty.

These two tactical offensives, said Baladon, were conducted in response to a call from the CPP central leadership to seize the initiative and intensify tactical offensives amid the US-Arroyo regime�s worsening crisis.

They were also part of the NPA�s counter-offensive against the AFP�s continuous and intensifying operations that have victmized civilians in Southern Isabela, he said.

Reference:
Anne Buenaventura
Media Officer
Cellphone Number: +63910-240-3553

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