MANILA, Philippines – Six soldiers were killed and at least 20 others were injured in a clash between the government troops and members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Borongan City, Eastern Samar on Monday.

Initial police report indicated that three platoons of the 14^th Infantry Battalion encountered around 50 NPA members at Sitio Bangon in Barangay Pinana-an at around 5 p.m.

The firefight lasted for about 30 minutes.

The report also stated that six improvised explosive devices simultaneously went off before the encounter.

The names of the soldiers killed and wounded in the battle have been withheld as their families are not yet informed of the incident.

One rebel, who is yet to be identified, was said to have been killed while an undetermined number was wounded in the gunfight, authorities said.

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Rebel combatant alias ‘Kent’ was lost for words over his experience in the hands of his “enemies” – the soldiers of the 29^th Infantry Battalion – after an encounter in San Isidro, Santiago, Agusan del Norte.

‘Kent’ sustained three gunshot wounds during the crossfire on November 2.

The soldiers captured him as he could no longer walk due to his injury.

He thought that was the end for him.

“Naka-set na sa isip ko na papatayin ako talaga kasi susuko (I set my mind that I would be killed if I surrender),” he said in his local dialect.

“Ang sabi nila kapag may giyera, papatayin ka kapag nahuli ka ng Army (They say in war, you will be killed if the Army captures you),” he added.

But to his surprise, the soldiers brought him to a nearby hospital and while gasping for air, he heard the soldiers telling him to hold on and try to survive.

The young NPA fighter is now recovering from his wound while the military is working on the possible assistance he may receive once he officially decommissions from the rebel group.

“Ang una nating ginagawa ngayon ay maka recover muna siya (What we are focusing on first is his recovery),” said Maj. Francisco Garelllo, the spokesperson of the 402 Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army who handles the case of alias Kent.

‘Kent’ was recruited to the New People’s Army (NPA) when he was only 16 years old.

He realized he spent his two years fighting for the wrong side.

He said he has decided to return to the government and start a new life with his family.

 “Sinasabi naman nila sa akin na, ‘Dapat mabuhay ka kasi sisikapin naming mabuhay ka,’” Kent said of the soldiers who rescued him.

“Kaya pinilit ko ring maka-survive,” he concluded. – MNP (with reports from Dante Amento)

MANILA, Philippines – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday vowed they will be relentless in their fight against communist terrorists in compliance with President Rodrigo Duterte’s order to wage an all-out war against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

“The AFP is compliant with the directive of the President and Commander-in-Chief. We are engaging the New People’s Army all out,” AFP Spokesperson Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo said.

Arevalo said the military has been employing and using all its resources in a “focused, surgical, and deliberate lethal and non-lethal operations towards the decisive defeat of the communist terrorists.”

On Tuesday, Duterte reiterated his call on the government troops to launch a full-scale attack and end the CPP-NPA before his term ends in 2022.

“I am ordering an all-out-war against the NPA. If I can, I will end the insurgency problem within my term,” the president said during a press briefing in Malacañang on Tuesday.

“Walang hintuan. Magpalit-palit ‘yung isang battalion diyan na walang gamit na wala masyadong kalaban ‘yang ano…. Pagka-bone-weary na ang mga sundalo, palit na naman. Tuloy-tuloy. At kung maaari, lumaban sila nang husto kasi hindi ako magtanggap ng surrender,” he added.

The PNP, for its part, vowed it will launch swift and relentless police operations against communist rebels.

“The final push to end local communist armed conflict will be firm and decisive under the guidance and direction of the national leadership,” the PNP said.

“Police operations against the armed components of the communist terrorist movement will be swift and relentless just as it will be lawful and judicious,” it added. RRD (with details from Correspondents April Cenedoza & Rosalie Coz)