TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines- Three suspected members of New People’s Army (NPA) were arrested following an encounter in Dupax Del Sur, Nueva Vizcaya.
In a press release obtained from Police Regional Office 02 (PRO2) Public Information Office, the suspects were identified as Ariel Balingao Aggabao or “Rodel/Daniel”, 23 and resident of Barangay Disiyuan, San Mariano, Isabela; Daril Villarial alias “Henry/Daryl”, 20 from Purok 1, Barangay, Lilomoso, Echague, Isabela; and John Paul Azucena San Carlos alias Mark/Isko, 20, from Rail Road, Conception, Pequena, Camarines Sur.
Nueva Vizcaya Police Provincial Director Police Senior Superintendent Leumar Abugan said the suspected rebels were arrested in Sitio Mapagnat, Barangay Sanguit, Dupax del Sur at around 11 am on Friday, November 10.
The three were allegedly involved in the encounter between rebels and joint forces of Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Mobile Force Company, 1st Regional Mobile Force Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 2, and Philippine Army the day before.
The 84th Infantry Battalion said the encounter was tipped by a citizen of the community because of the NPA’s harassment in the area.
The clash also resulted in the death of one NPA rebel, leaving 11 soldiers injured.
The 84th IB of the 7th Infantry Division earlier believed that the killed rebel was left by his team to cover escape.
The 84th IB also recovered a M16 rifle and a hand grenade.
Meanwhile, PRO2 Information Officer Superintendent Chevalier Iringan said that strengthened checkpoints in the area, following the reported clash, resulted in the recovery of several firearms including a 911 Colt caliber .45.
He said those arrested were filed charges of Illegal Possession of Firearms and Explosives.
Iringan told The Northern Forum that PRO2 Director Police Chief Superintendent Robert Quenery has been in Nueva Vizcaya since Friday and is closely monitoring the situation with the army.
“Walang puwang ang gawaing makakaliwa sa Rehiyon Dos. Ito ay magsilbing babala sa lahat,” Quenery said in PRO2’s press release.
Meanwhile, the 84th IB said they are in pursuit of the rebels who escaped the encounter. Northernforum.net
