At least four 84th IB troopers were killed in a clash with the New People’s Army (NPA)-Aurora unit (Domingo Erlano Command) on the night of May 28 in Baranggay Bazal, Maria Aurora, Aurora. The clash was the third in a week between the butcher soldiers and the NPA.

Even after the gunfight was over and the people’s army has withdrawn, the soldiers continued to fire indiscriminately in random directions. NPA-Aurora reported that the Red fighters maneuvered to safety after the active defense.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is now massively deploying military forces into the towns of Maria Aurora and adjacent Dipaculao to pursue the “remnants” of the NPA. The AFP uses helicopters, drones and other military equipment for its combat operations.

“Instead of using public funds to provide quality public services, the AFP is squandering millions on continuous combat operations,” NPA-Aurora said.

These AFP operations displace and terrorize the civilian population, disrupting their livelihoods in the village and forests.

According to the Department of Social Welfare and Development report on May 25, up to 3,633 families were affected by the encounter that occurred on May 20 and 21, and by the non-stop combat operation of the AFP in the area.