PH Army, NPA clash in Mindoro; 3 soldiers dead
Published Aug 13, 2025 11:49 am
(Courtesy of 2nd Infantry Division)
A military officer and two enlisted personnel were killed when a firefight broke out between the Philippine Army (PA) and New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Baco, Oriental Mindoro on Tuesday, Aug. 12.
The PA identified the slain soldiers as Captain Marky John O. Alberto, Corporal Charlie P. Legaspi, and Private Julian R. Oracion, who were members of the 14th Scout Ranger Company (14SRC), First Scout Ranger Regiment (FSRR).
Col. Louie Dema-ala, PA spokesperson, said troops from the 76th Infantry Battalion (76IB), 203rd Infantry Brigade (203IBde) under the 2nd Infantry Division (2ID) encountered around 15 armed men believed to be members of the dismantled Kilusang Larangang Gerilya (KLG) Ignacio Calabria Magadia (ICM) led by one Antonio Baculo alias “Floro”, “Pilo”, and “Virgo” in the hinterlands of Barangay Lantuyang 2 around 7 a.m.
The troops were deployed after receiving information from concerned citizens about the presence of armed men in their community. Apparently, the soldiers were conducting pursuit operations following an encounter with the same enemies in Barangay Mangmangyan 2 on Aug. 9.
When the troops arrived in the area, they were suddenly met with a volley of fire by the rebel group, prompting them to retaliate.
The exchange of fire lasted for an hour before the rebels retreated. When the gunfight ended, it was revealed that three of the government troopers were killed.
“Those slain from the 14SRC were there to augment the 203rd Infantry Brigade. What happened was there was a series of encounter which began on August 9. Now, our troops are pursuing the fleeing NPAs,” Dema-ala told the Manila Bulletin in a phone interview.
Dema-ala said the assailants were remnants of dismantled NPA units that regrouped and banded together.
“They want to recover Mindoro because it is one of the areas they consider as crucial in reviving their influence,” he noted.
Three other soldiers were also wounded and sent to V. Luna Hospital for immediate medical attention.
The number of NPA casualties is yet to be verified as of writing.
“We received reports that there were casualties on the enemy’s side but we have yet to validate this. Based on the initial investigation, the troops found blood stains at the encounter site,” Dema-ala shared.
Pursuit operations are ongoing to hunt down the rebels who have fled and bring them to justice.
Dema-ala said the PA honors the heroism of the slain and wounded soldiers, assuring that all the necessary support will be extended to them and their families.
“Their bravery is a testament of their commitment to their sworn duty to protect the Filipino nation against any form of terrorism and violence, even in the farthest conflict-affected communities,” Dema-ala said.