CAMP NAKAR, Lucena City – The Armed Forces Southern Luzon Command said on Saturday, Jan. 3, that the three consecutive encounters with the New People’s Army (NPA) in Sitio Mamara, Barangay Cabacao, Abra de llog, Occidental Mindoro, on New Year’s Day were legitimate military operations against communist rebels.
Solcom said these were in response to reports and complaints from the people who are fed up with the torture, harassment, and extortion by the NPA.
Such information went through a thorough "validation and confirmation" before the soldiers took appropriate action, Solcom said.
The military used air support to ensure the safety and security of soldiers and rapid “casualty evacuation.”
A soldier was injured due to an Improvised Explosive Device.
Soldiers recovered the identification cards of two young students who have joined the NPA. Solcom said these are clear evidence of the NPA's indiscriminate recruitment and use of youth as tools in their campaign.
Solcom said they are determined to end insurgency while ensuring that every step is in accordance with human rights.