7 NPAs killed in Mt.

Province encounter

Source: http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?
publicationsubcategoryid=67&articleid=799673

April 23, 2012 12:00 AM

by Charlie Lagasca, Raymund Catindig, Artemio Dumlao, Alexis Romero
BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines Seven suspected New Peoples Army (NPA) guerrillas,
including a woman fighter, were slain in an encounter with government troops in Mt. Province on
Saturday, the military said.
Men of the 54th Infantry Battalion, according to reports, were providing security to a medical mission
in Banawel village in Natonin town when they chanced upon a group of some 30 armed rebels along
the Natonin-Paracelis border at around 6 a.m. Saturday.
A five-hour firefight ensued, resulting in the death of the seven rebels, whose identities were still
being verified, said Col. Miguel Puyao, spokesman of the Isabela-based 5th Infantry Division.
Reports of the rebels death were based on information provided by civilians. In fact, they also told
us that many more rebels were seriously injured in the encounter, Puyao said.
The firefight also led to the discovery of the insurgents bunkers and three outposts in the remote
mountainous area and the recovery of several high-powered firearms, including two rifle grenade
launchers, reports said.
The rebels were led by a certain Artus Talastas, who heads the NPA unit operating in eastern Mt.
Province.