NPA slain in Masbate clash
April 17, 2009 11:17 am
MANILA, April 17 — A New People’s Army (NPA) insurgent was killed following a brief gun fight with government forces in Esperanza town in Masbate province on Thursday, the military disclosed Friday.
Sketchy reports reaching the military’s general headquarters Camp Aguinaldo, said the latest clash between troops of the Army’s 9th Infantry Battalion and about 30 rebels occurred around 10:15 a.m. Thursday at the village of Manlot-od.
The soldiers, led by one 2Lt. Cortes, were “conducting combat operations” in the remote area when they caught up with the rebels, sparking a brief fire fight. The rebels later withdrew, leaving a dead comrade and an M16 rifle.
Security forces are aiming to defeat the insurgency problem on or before President Arroyo finishes her term next year. Military estimates placed the NPA strength at more than 5,000 men scattered in more than 60 guerrilla fronts throughout the country.
Peace talks between the government and the communists bogged down in 2004 following the United States’ designation of the NPA and the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) as foreign terrorist organizations.
Efforts from both camps are underway to revive the peace talks. The communist-led National Democratic Front (NDF) said it was willing to return to the negotiating table but have set a number of preconditions.(PNA)
FFC/VR
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