M-16s seized from NPAs in NE

FILE: Nato said troops from the 84th Infantry Battalion were conducting combat patrols in the area when it chanced upon 10 NPAs, triggering a 15-minute firefight. (PNA photo)

MANILA — Government troops seized assorted New People’s Army (NPA) materiel, including two M-16 automatic rifles, following an encounter with communist terrorists in Carranglan, Nueva Ecija Wednesday morning.

The incident took place around 7:15 a.m. at the vicinity of Sitio Dalipawen, Barangay Bunga of the above-mentioned locality, Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) spokesperson Lt. Col. Isagani Nato said.

Nato said troops from the 84th Infantry Battalion were conducting combat patrols in the area when it chanced upon 10 NPAs, triggering a 15-minute firefight.

The fleeing rebels left behind two M-16 automatic rifles, two magazines, a sweatshirt, and assorted food.

No losses or casualties from government troops in the said fighting, Nato said.

“NOLCOM troops will persistently keep the enemy on the run and outbalanced by conducting aggressive, relentless and focused military operations in identified NPA lairs in the areas of North and Central Luzon,” he added. (PNA)