BUTUAN CITY – An undetermined number of communist-New People’s Army (NPA) terrorists were believed killed or wounded as gunbattle erupted between government security forces and communist terrorists in the hinterland area of Mangilit, Barangay Bal-ason, Gingoog City, Maisamis Oriental on Sunday, Dec. 19.
Civil Military Operations (CMO) officer of 58th Infantry (Dimalulupig) Battalion (58thIB) Lt. Vincent Mark C. Maddul told The Manila Bulletin on Tuesday that operating troops of the 58th IB already initially recovered in the scene of gunbattle war materials including one AK-47 assault rifle, two backpacks containing personal belongings and medicines, and subversive documents.
The 58th IB CMO officer said the fierce gun-battle took place after the patrolling peace and development troops of the 58th IB received reports from a concerned civilian about the presence of NPAs in Mangilit area.
“Our troops engaged some 15 heavily armed NPAs, who are reportedly conducting force taxation from the highland farmers,” Lt. Maddul said.
The encountered rebels were believed to be the remaining armed elements of SR SDG Eagles of Sub-Regional Committee 1 (SRC-1) of the CPP-NPA North-Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC), he said.
The gun-battle happened at around 9:15 a.m. on Monday and the firefight lasted for about 15 minutes, the 58th IB CMO officer added.
The NPAs dis-engaged in the firefight after sensing that they were outgunned and outpositioned, the CMO officer added.
No reported casualty on the government side.
As of press time, hot pursuit operation is still ongoing.
Former rebels (FRs) revealed that old Battle Dress Attire (BDA) uniforms recovered were being used by Communist Terrorist Group (CTGs) to lure civilians as military personnel and conduct force taxation and atrocities to potential targets, Lt. Maddul said.
Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Christian C. Uy, commanding officer of the 58th IB Infantry, on Tuesday asked the remaining NPAs who are still running in the mountains to come down and avail the government’s peace and development program.
"I am reiterating our call to the remnants of the CTGs who are still hiding in the hinterlands to lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law and reunite with their families in celebrating the birth of Christ and the coming New Year," he said.
The 58th IB commander also expresses gratitude to the community for their prompt and accurate reporting to the nearest patrol base.
"I am grateful to the people of Barangay Bal-ason for cooperating with us; we hope that other neighboring communities will do the same in order to fully end the insurgency in Misamis Oriental; Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year to all!" said Lt. Col. Uy.