It’s not the New People’s Army rebels but members of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade who were attacked by Army Scout Rangers in Brgy. Minapasok, Calatrava on Tuesday, the Alab Katipunan said.

Its spokesperson, Ben Solilapsi, who condemned the incident, claimed last night that RPA-ABB members were preparing for a seminar with residents of the area, when the assault took place at about 6 p.m. Tuesday.

Col. Honorato de los Reyes, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, however, said the Scout Rangers were informed about the presence of armed men, and amazons, in the place.

De los Reyes said there was no coordination made by leaders of the RPA-ABB even to local military commanders operating in the area.

The RPA-ABB and its political wing, Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Mangagawa-Pilipinas, entered into peace agreement with the government in 2000, which led to the cessation of armed hostilities in both parties.

As stipulated in the agreement, coordination among local commanders is encouraged to avoid mis-encounters among their forces.

Lack of coordination was also blamed for the mis-encounter between RPA-ABB fighters and 11th Infantry Battalion soldiers last year in La Carlota City, which claimed the life of a civilian and caused injuries to two others, police records showed.

Solilapsi said some people have evacuated from their homes in Sitio Harvey, Brgy. Minapasok, Calatrava, because of the ongoing military operations.

The military had claimed that scores of rebels were believed injured in almost 20 minutes of gunbattle in Sitio Harvey, Brgy. Minapasok, Calatrava, as traces of bloodstains were seen along their withdrawal routes.

Soldiers recovered five combat packs containing personal belongings, three sacks of rice, a tarpaulin, a pair of combat shoes and a fatigue uniform, at the encounter site.*GPB

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