From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 21): AFP remains vigilant despite disaster relief operations
Despite being focused on disaster relief missions for victims of the torrential rains and floods caused by Typhoon "Maring", the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday announced that it will continue its security patrols to protect civilian communities from the violence waged by New People's Army (NPA) rebels.
The military made this statement in wake of efforts of the rebel group to conduct extortion and IED attacks in Barangay Balagan, San Mariano town, Isabela Tuesday evening despite the onslaughts of Typhoon "Maring" on the civilian community.
Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, AFP public affairs office chief, said patrolling troopers of the 52nd Division Reconnaissance Company spotted the rebels and engaged the latter in an hour-long firefight.
"The AFP will continue its security patrols to protect civilian communities from the violence waged by the NPAs," he added.
One soldier was killed and three others were wounded in the encounter, while there are unverified casualties on the enemy side.
They recovered two improvised explosive devices and six backpacks with subversive documents from the insurgents.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=557430
Despite being focused on disaster relief missions for victims of the torrential rains and floods caused by Typhoon "Maring", the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday announced that it will continue its security patrols to protect civilian communities from the violence waged by New People's Army (NPA) rebels.
The military made this statement in wake of efforts of the rebel group to conduct extortion and IED attacks in Barangay Balagan, San Mariano town, Isabela Tuesday evening despite the onslaughts of Typhoon "Maring" on the civilian community.
Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, AFP public affairs office chief, said patrolling troopers of the 52nd Division Reconnaissance Company spotted the rebels and engaged the latter in an hour-long firefight.
"The AFP will continue its security patrols to protect civilian communities from the violence waged by the NPAs," he added.
One soldier was killed and three others were wounded in the encounter, while there are unverified casualties on the enemy side.
They recovered two improvised explosive devices and six backpacks with subversive documents from the insurgents.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=557430