FIGHTING erupted between commandos from the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) and a group of heavily-armed New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas in Matuguinao, Samar last Monday leaving a rebel dead, PNP chief, General Debold M. Sinas announced yesterday.
No casualty was reported on the side of the SAF troopers during the gun battle in Bgy. Inubod, Matuguinao at 5:30 p.m. Monday, said the top cop.
Sinas said members of the SAF’s 12th Special Action Battalion headed by Lt. Col. Recaredo Marasigan based in Samar launched a combat operation in the area targeting a big group of NPA rebels seen roaming in the place.
The hour and a-half clash led to the killing of one guerrilla and the recovery of a chamber-loaded M-16 automatic rifle with defaced serial numbers, three magazines containing a total of 50 live caliber 5.56 ammunition, 12-gauge shotgun ammunition, improvised explosive device and a backpack containing several clothes and underwear.
PNP-SAF director, Major Gen. Bernabe M. Balba said his men led by Lieutenants Arwell Lariva and Moises Garcia were unhurt during the clash.
On Tuesday, another group of SAF commandos led by Captain Angel Sibungan encountered another group of NPA gunmen in the same area. No casualties were reported during the fighting although the SAF troops recovered a backpack containing a holster, two improvised flashlights and a bag containing several NPA documents.
The following morning, the commandos engaged another group of NPA rebels in the area where they recovered an improvised sniper rifle left by the fleeing gunmen. No casualty was reported on the site of the SAF operatives during the incident.
Balba said the remains of the slain rebel identified as Alger Morillo, a resident of Bgy. San Isidro in Silvino Lobos, Northern Samar was buried at the Matuguinao Public Cemetery. The slain man was identified as a member of the NPA’s Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee by the Army’s 803rd Brigade.
