ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE – In an encounter with the military on December 28, 2023, three alleged members of the New People’s Army, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, were killed in Zamboanga del Norte, according to a statement from Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom).
According to the military, combined forces from the 97th, 53rd, and 106th Infantry Battalions fought at least five alleged NPA members in Barangay San Jose, Sergio Osmena, Zamboanga del Norte at 11:45 a.m. Thursday, in a confrontation that lastest about 15 minutes.
The military said that upon scouring the area, they found three enemy cadavers, believed to be those of the alleged NPA fighters, and seized a 5.56mm M4 rifle. The casualties were identified as Maria Luz Ranan, a.k.a. Inez/Mona, alleged secretary of the local NPA front, and Jerome Lobo Albios, a.k.a. Raffy/Lomer, and Mary Ann Nabicis, a.k.a. Bianca/Richel, both members of the same group.
Lt. Gen. William Gonzales, Commander of the Western Mindanao Command, said: “Our troops remain steadfast in fulfilling their mandated task to ensure the safety and security of the people, especially during the holiday season.”
“I once again urge the remaining members of the communist terrorist group and other threat groups to make up their minds and listen to our call for the peaceful resolution of conflicts. Now is the time for you to return to the folds of the law and begin a new life with your family and loved ones. Let us end the year peacefully and harmoniously,” he added.
