ORMOC CITY-The government troops’ continuous efforts for peace and economic advancement resulted to a clash against around 20 members of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels identified as “Pingkoy Platoon” and confiscation of mines and combat items inside a camp at Sitio Nabunturan, Patag village, this city last week. Lt. Col. Nedy Espulgar, commanding officer of 19th Infantry Battalion based in Aguiting, Kananga, Leyte said the presence of the rebels in the area were tipped off by the villagers which resulted to a 30 minutes fire fight.
The government troops recovered three unexploded claymore mines, magazines with ammunitions and back packs with personal belongings and subversive documents inside the rebels’ camp.
The temporary camp occupied by the “Pingkoy Platoon” operating in western Leyte particularly in Ormoc, Burauen and Jaro can be reached by two-hour hike from the village proper that was said made of tents. It is believed to have been established after “Yolanda” that was not visible by aerial view.
Espulgar said “there will be no let-up in our support to the development programs that were introduced in the hinterland barangays of Ormoc, despite the Tuesday incident. We will pursue with our development efforts, especially in our advocacy on Land Bank’s sustainable integrated natural and organic mini farm program. But our troops are always ready should similar eventuality arises”, he went on. (ELVIE ROMAN ROA)
