From Rappler (Jul 5): Ranking NPA leader among those killed in Sorsogon
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A ranking New People's Army (NPA) leader was among those killed in the clash with Army troops in Juban, Sorsogon, on Thursday, the military announced Friday, July 5.
A ranking New People's Army (NPA) leader was among those killed in the clash with Army troops in Juban, Sorsogon, on Thursday, the military announced Friday, July 5.
Col. Joselito Kakilala, commander of the 903rd Infantry Brigade, identified him as Arnel Estiller alias Ka Ariston, reportedly the secretary of Larangan 2 of the Komiteng Probinsya (KomProb) in Sorsogon.
Estiller was among the 8 communist rebels killed following an encounter with troops from the 31st Infantry Battalionin Barangay Upper Calmayon early Thursday.
There were no casualties among the government forces.
The other slain rebels were identified as David Lunar, 51; a certain Dado/Miloy, a political instructor; Nene, a team leader, John Francis Perez; and a certain Rey. They were all members of Probinsiyang Yunit Gerilya.
Also killed were two women fighters identified only by their aliases – Ka Alicia/Ja/Jackelyn/Manay and Ka Abby. They were members of guerrilla unit and video editors of “Dagundong ng Bikol,” believed to be one of the websites of the rebel group.
Six of the 8 bodies have been claimed by their relatives.
Soldiers also recovered several high-powered firearms, four explosives, and several improvised explosive device components.
Lt. Col. Beernjenson Aquino, commanding officer of the 31st IB, said troops will continue to pursue other rebels who fled after the encounter.