LEGAZPI CITY -- At least three minor New People’s Army members were captured by the soldiers in an encounter on Tuesday morning in the island province of Catanduanes, a military spokesperson said Wednesday.
The clash between the government troops and the 20 rebels happened at around 8:00 a.m. at Barangay (village) Sabluyon in Caramoran town, Catanduanes, said Captain Razaleigh G. Bansawan, spokesperson of the 901st Infantry Battalion, in a text message.
The three minors, all boys, aged 12, 15 and 19 years old were apprehended by the elements of the 83rd Infantry Battalion and are now under the social welfare for the custody, added Bansawan.
A running gunfight ensued that lasted an hour to save the three young rebels, said Bansawan.
Bansawan said that the soldiers were preempted to use volume of fire due to the presence of three minors utilized by the NPAs in their operations.
“They manage to escape because we value the lives of innocent children used by them,” explained Bansawan.
Recovered from the crime scene were M-14 and M-16 rifles.
No reported casualty on the government side, while undetermined number of wounded rebels has yet to determine.
Meanwhile, the NPAs in Catanduanes are now scampering for safety as the joint forces of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the PNP Bicol are now in pursuit operations. Johana Vi Gasga/Inquirer Southern Luzon
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