BUTUAN CITY – A New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was killed and an undetermined number of his comrades were wounded in a gun battle with soldiers in Sitio Calaitan, Barangay Simbalan, Buenavista town, Agusan del Norte province on Tuesday, January 16.
A COMMUNIST rebel was killed in a gun battle in Agusan del Norte on Tuesday, January 16. (Photo via Mike U. Crismundo)
The Army 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion (IB) said they recovered high-powered firearms from the communist rebels from NPA Platoon 2, SRSDG Sagay, Sub-Regional Committee 3, of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA North-Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).
Troops received information from residents that a band of NPA rebels was in the area to conduct extortion and atrocities.
The 23rd IB under commanding officer Lt. Col. Jeffrey P. Balingao deployed soldiers to Sitio Calaitan to verify the report, resulting in an encounter that lasted for 15 minutes.
2nd Lt. Paoula Andrea P. Ledesma, 23rd IB Civil-Military Operations officer, said the communist rebels scampered to different directions during the gun fight and left the body of one colleague behind.
Recovered in the encounter site were two M16 Armalite rifles, one caliber .30 carbine, bullets, personal belongings, and subversive documents.
“Heavy bloodstains were observed along their withdrawal route believed to be from the retreating wounded rebels,” Ledesma said.
Troops are pursuing the fleeing rebels. No government casualty was reported in the skirmish.
Balingao said the encounter was a tactical engagement of operating troops against the NPA in the area.
"This operation is part of our relentless efforts to end the local communist armed conflict in our area of operation, and as we gain significant results against these terrorist NPAs, we will continue with our pursuit operations against the fleeing terrorists.”
“With the continuous support of the residents in the area, I am confident that our troops can contain them from conducting further terroristic activities and finally pin them down," Balingao added.
Brig. Gen. Adonis Ariel G. Orio, commanding general of the Army 402nd (Stingers) Infantry Brigade based in Camp Bancasi, Butuan City, said the successful security operation was a product of the combined efforts of troops with former NPA members who surrendered and continuously provided important information about their former hideouts.
"This is how sincere we are in our effort to end this communist-driven local insurgency. As long as the people of Agusan del Norte continue to support us in all our peace initiatives, these accomplishments are always possible. Let us altogether end this menace in our society."
“This proactive and resolute response by the 23rd IB underscores their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the security and well-being of the town of Buenavista and other areas in its area of operation in Agusan,” Orio said, adding, “It serves as a testament to the unwavering dedication of our military forces, who willingly put their lives on the line to maintain peace and order in our communities.”