Army fends off NPA extortion team in Isabela

San Guillermo, Isabela

MANILA — Troopers from the Army’s 86th Infantry Battalion have successfully fended off a New People’s Army (NPA) extortion team during an encounter at the boundaries of Barangays Sinalugan and Aringays, San Guillermo town, Isabela Sunday afternoon.

The rebel band was composed of 20 fighters, Lt. Col. Jose Arn Real, 86th Infantry Battalion commander, said.

He added that the encounter, which lasted for five minutes, took place at 1 p.m.

Real said that his men were conducting law enforcement operations when residents told them of the NPA extortion attempt, prompting to proceed to the threatened areas.

A M-1 Garand rifle was recovered from the scene of the encounter.

Residents reported seeing many wounded rebels fleeing. No casualties were reportedly incurred by the government side.