NPA amazon killed in Bukidnon clash


BUTUAN CITY – A New People’s Army amazon was killed in a gun battle with the Army 8th Infantry (Dependable) Battalion (IB) in Sitio Malinao, Barangay Kalasungay, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, on Saturday, June 17.

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THE military captured war materials, including personal belongings, during a gun battle with communist rebels in Sitio Malinao, Barangay Kalasungay, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, on Saturday, June 17. (Photo courtesy of 8th IB via Mike U. Crismundo)

Major Alfie A. Lee, executive officer (EO) of the 8th IB, said they have yet to identify the fatality but she is believed to be a member of a weak guerrilla front of the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA North-Central Mindanao Regional Committee in the area.

Recovered in the encounter at 5:56 a.m. which lasted for about 10 minutes were one AK47 rifle, one M14 rifle, one Improvised Explosive Device (IED), one roll of detonating cord, two blasting caps, and war paraphernalia.

Lee said the clash was an aftermath of reports from concerned citizens of Barangay Kalasungay that suspected NPA rebels were foraging and extorting money from people in Sitio Malinao.

The 8th IB thanked residents and the Malaybalay city government for providing them information that prevented the NPA from wreaking havoc in their communities.

Lee said in pursuing the gains of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, the 403rd Infantry (Peacemaker) Brigade, 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division, along with other stakeholders, will continue to strive for the pursuit of a genuine peace and security within the areas of the province of Bukidnon.

The 403rd Infantry Brigade has launched intensified focus military Operations (FMOs) in Mount Saldab area since the start of the year that resulted in a series of encounters and discovery of war materials and subversive documents.