FOURTEEN FIREARMS WERE seized by the New People’s Army (NPA)-Isabela in an armed action against the Task Force Kalikasan (TFK) at Sitio Lagis, Barangay Sindun Bayabo, Ilagan City. Five pistols were confiscated during the operation. The TFK is under the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office and is actively supported by local police and military forces.

In connivance with the AFP and PNP, it spearheaded the demolition of houses and eviction of residents from Sitio Lagis in June. This has resulted in the displacement of around 56 families who have been farming in the area for three decades already.

Simultaneously, Red fighters confiscated an M14, AK47, seven pistols, ammunition and handheld radios from five police operatives when their convoy was stopped at an NPA checkpoint in an adjacent area.

Sa­mar. Five soldiers of the 63rd IB were killed in an armed action of the NPA-Western Samar on September 2 at Sitio Rizal, Barangay Bulao, Basey. Another encounter between a military column and an NPA unit ensued at around 2 p.m. at Sitio Guinpondoan, Barangay Cogon in the same town.

The said enemy unit was then pursuing Red fighers who harassed a unit of the 63rd IB.
On August 30, two soldiers were killed while four others were wounded in a harassment operation of Red fighters at Purok 1, Barangay Mabini, Basey. In retaliation, soldiers indiscriminately strafed the area, wounding a 14-year-old child.

The 46th IB perpetrated the murder of the barangay chairman of Beri in April, forced surrender of farmers from Calbiga and Pinabacdao, and torture of three farmers in Basey.
Masbate. Four harassment operations were mounted by the NPA-Masbate on August 18 and 19 against the PNP and 2nd IB. On August 18, Red fighters harassed a police detachment in Barangay Bayombon, Masbate City. On the next day, a soldier was killed in a sniping operation of the NPA against a detachment of the 2nd IB in Del Carmen, Uson. On the same day, the NPA also fired at PNP detachments in Guiwanon, Barangay Danao, San Jacinto, and in San Rafael, San Pascual.

Neg­ros Occidental. Soldiers of the 79th IB were ambushed by the NPA-North Negros at Sitio Moreno, Barangay Paitan, Escalante City on August 31. Three soldiers were wounded in action. Consequently, the soldiers indiscriminately fired their guns even in areas where some of their troops were positioned. Around 10 soldiers were killed in the crossfire.

The 79th IB has been occupying Barangay Paitan for almost a year already under the guise of “peace and development,” disrupting the livelihood and lives of residents. Soldiers are coercing civilians to surrender. Cases of illegal arrests and extrajudicial killings have also been reported in the area. The company-sized combat operation and increasing military presence in the barangays of Escalante has com­pelled residents to evacuate from their communties.