Seven suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels died while 18 high-powered firearms were recovered in separate military offensives against the remnants of communist groups in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte; Claveria, Misamis Oriental; and Malaybalay City, Bukidnon over the weekend.
The Philippine Army's 4th Infantry Division seizes high-powered firearms in separate clashes with suspected New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte; Claveria, Misamis Oriental; and Malaybalay City, Bukidnon from June 16 to 17, 2023. (Courtesy of 4ID)
Maj. Francisco Garello, chief of the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID), said the anti-communist operations were conducted from June 16 to 17 as part of the military’s efforts to end the scourge of insurgency in the three provinces
The identities of the slain rebels have yet to be disclosed by the 4ID.
The first operation was held on Friday morning, June 16, at Sitio Dugyaman in Brgy. Anticala, Butuan City where five suspected NPA rebels – two males and three females – were killed in an encounter by operating troops from the 29th Infantry Battalion and 30th Infantry Battalion.
Accordingly, the troops were responding to the reports from concerned citizens that around 30 armed individuals had established their lair in the area.
The slain rebels were alleged members of the Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda 216, Guerilla Front 21 (SYP21C) and Platoon Dao, Sub-Regional Sentro de Grabidad (SRSDG) Westland which are both under the Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Westland of the NPA’s North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).
The military also found six AK47 rifles, four AR18 rifles, three M4 rifles, two M203 grenade launchers, an M16 rifle, and personal belongings from the slain rebels.
Meanwhile, troops from the 58th Infantry Battalion encountered around 15 armed individuals while conducting security operations in Brgy. Minalwang, Claveria, Misamis Oriental around 4:35 p.m. Friday.
The skirmish resulted in the death of a female rebel who allegedly belonged to the NPA’s SRSDG, and the recovery of an M16 rifle and M4 rifle.
On Saturday, June 17, elements of the 403rd Infantry Brigade conducted a follow up operation to dismantle the remaining NPA SRSDG formation in Brgy. Kalasungay, Malaybalay, Bukidnon when they clashed with around 10 armed individuals around 5:25 a.m.
The military initially had an armed encounter with alleged members of the SRSDG on Friday.
“After the encounter on Friday afternoon against the same group, our troops tirelessly tracked and continued their pursuit operations. Aided by the information from local residents, we chanced upon them and a 15-minute firefight ensued,” said Brig. Gen. Michele Anayron Jr., commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade.
The military said one female NPA SRSDG member died from the encounter, while seized were one AK47 rifle, one M14 Rifle, one anti-personnel mine, and personal belongings of the slain rebel.