CALAMBA CITY, Laguna – Military troops clashed with remnants of the communist dismantled New People’s Army (NPA) Komiteng Larangang Gerilya-Island Committee Mindoro (KLG-ICM) in Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro on New Year’s Day, resulting in the wounding of a soldier.

Troops from the Philippine Army’s 76th Infantry Battalion (IB), 1st IB, 59th IB, and the 5th Scout Ranger Battalion engaged the KLG-ICM rebels, operating under the NPA Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee, in three successive encounters in Sitio Mamara, Barangay Cabacao.

A soldier was wounded during one of the encounters, while casualties on the terrorists’ side are still being verified.

In a statement Friday, Army 2nd Infantry Division spokesperson Col. Michael Aquino noted that the encounters occurred despite the CPP’s earlier declaration of a holiday ceasefire.

“These incidents show that even with public ceasefire declarations, some armed elements remain active and continue to pose threats to communities,” Aquino said.

He added that security operations are ongoing in the area to prevent the regrouping of terrorist NPA elements and to ensure the safety of communities.

Aquino urged civilians to remain alert and immediately report any suspicious movements to authorities.

“Public cooperation remains crucial. Information from concerned citizens allows government forces to act swiftly and decisively,” Aquino said. (PNA)