MORE NEWS, AURORA

NPAs, army troopers clash; many wounded
By Mar T. Supnad

SAN LUIS, Aurora -- Fifteen fully-armed communist rebels led by Benjamin Peralta A.K.A. Gani/Egan/Otoy clashed with elements of the army troopers of 7th Infantry Division, Philippine Army and police at Sitio Sablang, Barangay Diteki here lasts week resulting to the wounding of a number of rebels.

Joint elements of Aurora Police Provincial Mobile Group , 72nd Division Reconnaissance Company, 7ID, PA led by one 1Lt. Nicholas and 48th Infantry Battalion, 7ID, PA led by a certain 1Lt. Ariel chanced upon the rebels.

As soon as the rebels were sighted, an army report said they immediately fired at the approaching troops, triggering 15 minutes of running gun battle.
The rebels reportedly retreated to the nearby forested areas, leaving behind three heavy firearms and ammunitions, the army, adding that they were able to confiscate an assorted 5000 board feet of illegally cut good lumber.

The army based in Fort Ramon Magsaysay said, it inflicted undermined number of wounded on the enemy side as indicated by bloodstains on the enemy’s route of withdrawal.

No casualty was reported on the government side.

Government troops recovered two US rifles cal 5.56 M16 rifles, one Cal. 45 pistol, one fragmentation grenade, two handheld radios, one bag pack full of uncooked rice, canned goods and personal belonging, one live ammo of M203 grenade launcher, bandoliers for M16, assorted food stuff, voluminous subversive documents, personal effects and assorted medicines. The recovered firearms are now in the custody of Aurora PPO for safekeeping.

“We are continuously conducting pursuit operations and establishing military presence and full force in the area to preempt illegal activities,” said Gen. Natalio Jayson, commanding officer, 48th IB.