Ronnie Yanuario Military operations in Northern Samar continue to pursue Communist-NPA-Terrorist (CNT) rebels who fled after a November 29 clash in Barangay Osmeña, Palapag. On December 11, troops engaged the fleeing rebels in two gun battles in Barangay Osmeña, Palapag as part of the campaign to subdue them.
The first engagement on December 11 occurred around 11:00 a.m. when troops made contact with the fleeing NPA members, resulting in a brief physical conflict. The CNT members were pushed out of position by the advancing soldiers and retreated northwest, leaving behind an M653 rifle and personal items.
Troops continued to pursue the CNT elements and caught up with them again around 11:13 a.m. This engagement resulted in another short gunfight and the recovery of a .45 caliber pistol and ammunition.
The military is targeting NPA members in ongoing operations, citing reports that rebels have illegally planted anti-personnel mines along civilian-used farm roads, creating a severe public safety threat.
(Photo courtesy: 8th Infantry “Stormtroopers” Division, Philippine Army)
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