NPA leader killed in Antique clash

A LEADER of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) was killed and five high-powered firearms were seized by government troops after a clash in Valderama town in Antique on Saturday.

The Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (ID) identified the slain rebel leader as John Paul Capio, alias Ronron, 36, a squad leader under the NPA’s Komiteng Rehiyon Panay.

Troops from the Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion were conducting combat operations when they clashed with Capio and his men in Sitio Mapa, Barangay Culyat in Valderama.

The operation was prompted by information about the presence of seven NPA rebels in the community, said 3rd ID spokesman Lt. Col. J-jay Javines said.

Javines said the rebels withdrew towards the northeast direction after a five-minute firefight, leaving Carpio’s remains.

“No one was hurt on the government side,” said Javines.

During clearing operation, the troops recovered at the encounter site four M16 rifles, an M14 rifle, assorted ammunition, and two magazines.

3rd ID commander Maj. Gen. Marion Sison said Capio’s death is a reminder that the armed struggle that the NPA is pursuing only leads to misery and suffering.

Sison reiterated the military’s appeal for the rebels to surrender and rejoin mainstream society.

“We call on all remaining members of the CTG (communist terrorist group) to lay down their arms and embrace the government’s programs aimed at helping you start anew. The doors are open, and the government is here to support you in rebuilding your lives away from violence,” said Sison.