National Security Adviser (NSA) Clarita Carlos is “very grateful” to Philippine Army soldiers for their victory against New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in an encouter in the town of Igbaras, Iloilo on Saturday, Nov. 26.
“Napakalaki ng pasasalamat ko sa mga sundalo ng 61st Infantry Battalion para sa tagumpay na ito. This is a significant milestone in our mission of totally eliminating the communist influence in Visayas,” Carlos said in a statement on Sunday, Nov. 27.
“Malinaw ang ating government policy at guidance ng Pangulo sa ating laban kontra insurgency (Our government policy and the President’s guidance in our fight against insurgency are clear),” she added.
An NPA member was killed and three high-powered firearms were recovered after the firefight at around 5:50 a.m. in Sitio Igbasya, Barangay Tigbanaba.
The fatality was identified by military authorities as Domingo Costas alias Evan/Ivan (PSR-L), a squad member of Suyak Platoon of the Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay (KR-P)’s Southern Front.
According to Carlos, the Philippine Army’s victory was a “milestone” in ongoing efforts to dismantle guerrilla fronts in the country.
To avoid bloodshed, she urged NPA members to surrender.
“Patuloy ang ating panawagang pangkapayapaan para sa mga natitirang miyembro na nais ng magbalik-loob,” said Carlos who also serves as vice chairperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).IMT
