3 suspected NPA rebels killed in Ilocos Sur encounter
by Freddie LazaroSTA. LUCIA, Ilocos Sur – Three suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) died after a brief firefight with joint operatives of the army and police in Barangay Namatican, Sta. Lucia, Ilocos Sur on Thursday evening.
Lt. Col. Colonel Rodrigo Mariñas, Jr., commander of the 81st Infantry Battalion, confirmed the incident, saying that two suspected Amazons and a male rebel were killed in the 10-minute gunbattle.
The three fatalities were identified as Ka Goyo, the reported secretary of the Kilusang Larangang Guerilya Southern Ilocos Sur (KLG SIS); Ka Aunor, the reported deputy secretary of KLG SIS; and a certain Maria Finela Cavero y Mejia alias Ka Ricky.
Mariñas said that at around 10:30 p.m., February 13, his troops received a report from local residents informing them of the presence of at least five fully-armed suspected NPA rebels in the house of a certain Henry Dumag.
“The suspected NPA rebels were reported to have met inside the house before the encounter,” he said.
Upon learning the report, the troops proceeded to the area. When they reached the area, they were first fired upon by the suspected NPA rebels, followed by the exchange of gunfire that resulted in the death of Ka Goyo, Ka Aunor, and Ka Ricky.
He said that the remains of the suspected NPA rebels were brought to the Acosta Funeral Homes.
He said that hot pursuit operation for the other members of the suspected NPA rebels, who scampered during the firefight, was ongoing.