Despite efforts by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to conceal its casualties, it could not hide the fact that it took a severe beating in the hands of the New People's Army (NPA) in a series of gunbattles in Cervantes, Ilocos Sur towards the end of September. According to the latest field reports from the Alfredo Cesar Command (NPA-Ilocos Sur), the enemy suffered up to 19 dead and six wounded.
Sa kabila ng paglihim ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) ay hindi nito maitago ang katotohanang nagtamo ito ng matinding hambalos sa kamay ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB) sa mga labanang naganap sa Cervantes, Ilocos Sur noong katapusan ng Setyembre. Ayon sa karagdagang ulat ng Alfredo Cesar Command (BHB-Ilocos Sur), umabot sa 19 na sundalo ang napatay at anim ang nasugatan.