BUTUAN CITY -- Two communist-New People’s Army (NPA) terrorists were killed while undetermined number of other rebels were believed wounded in a fierce battle with the government security forces in the hinterland area of Tapol, Barangay Kibanban, Balingasag town, Misamis Oriental province, military reported Tuesday, Nov. 15.
Initial report coming from the Philippine Army’s 58th Infantry (Dimalulupig) Battalion (58th IB) also said operating troops of the same unit seized in the scene of encounter one M16 armalite rifle, one M653 rifle, one caliber 22 rifle, assorted ammunitions, assorted medical paraphernalia including medicines, 3 backpacks with personal belongings and subversive documents.
Field report said while conducting combat operations, troops of the 58th IB encountered more than 10 heavily armed NPAs believed to be remnants of the already dismantled Independent Platoon Falcon Sub Regional Committee 1 (SRC 1) of the CPP-NPA North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).
The firefight lasted for more than 10 minutes which resulted in the death of two NPA terrorists, the report added.
Outgunned and out-positioned, the rebels hastily scampered to different directions, dragging along with them their wounded men, the report said.
The military said a hot pursuit operation was still ongoing yesterday in the hinterland areas of Tapol.
No reported casualty on the government side during the gun-battle.
“We will not cease continuing our concentrated military operations in an effort to eradicate the local insurgency in the province (Misamis Oriental),” said Lt. Col. Christian C. Uy, commanding officer of the 58th IB, in a statement on Tuesday.
“Hopefully, other remaining NPAs who are still hiding and running in the mountains will realize that their only option is to return to the fold of the law and embrace the government’s peace and development program,” added Lt. Col. Uy.