PRO 6 on Alert After NPA, Army Encounter

The Police Regional Office 6 has ordered all units of the Philippine National Police in Western Visayas to stay on alert following a recent encounter in Igbaras, Iloilo between the Philippine Army and believed members of the New People’s Army.

An encounter ensued between the elements of 61st Infantry “Hunter” Battalion, Philippine Army and believed to be members of Suyak Platoon, Southern Front Committee of the New People’s Army (NPA) at Sitio Butuan, Barangay Igcabugao, Igbaras, Iloilo at around 11:30 a.m. of Nov. 12, 2018.

In a press statement of PRO6 Information Officer Joem Malong, PRO6 Regional Director Chief Superintendent John Bulalacao also instructed units surrounding the encounter areas to watch out for possible spillover and check for wounded persons who might be brought to nearby hospitals or clinics.

Malong said that based on investigation, the government troops were responding to reports from the local populace on the presence of more or less 10 fully armed men when they were fired upon by the terrorists prompting them to fire back.

The firefight, which lasted for 30 minutes, resulted in the death of a member of the NPA who was identified as Casimiro Talaman alias “Ka Boy” of Sitio Cadinglian, Barangay Boloc, Tubungan, Iloilo.

Malong said there was no casualty on the government side. Nine personalities were held for interview and identification before Igbaras Municipal Police Station for the alleged involvement in the encounter, the press statement said.

Meanwhile, Bulalacao reminded the public not to support the NPA who are now conducting their tactical offensives to sow fear in the community and increase their extortion activities especially that election is near.

He likewise appealed to the public not to be deceived by the NPAs to join them in their violent activities.

“Wala silang mapapala diyan sa pagsali sa NPA,” Bulalacao said in the PRO 6 press report. (JBG/laf/PIA6-Iloilo)