A pursuit operation against the New People’s Army (NPA) on the group's 57th founding anniversary turned deadly on Sunday, March 29, resulting in the death of a young Philippine Army (PA) officer and the capture of an insurgent in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.

The encounter occurred at Sitio Salafay in Barangay Monteclaro as troops from the 68th Infantry “Kaagapay” Battalion tracked approximately 15 armed rebels, said Col. Michael Aquino, spokesperson of the 2nd Infantry Division (2ID).

The firefight lasted 20 minutes before the rebels retreated, but an Army trooper, identified as Captain Dean Buen Oyando, was killed in action while leading his men during the pursuit.

Two other soldiers were wounded in the engagement, including an injured personnel who had to be evacuated to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Medical Center in Quezon City for specialized treatment.

Meanwhile, a female NPA combatant with an M16 rifle was captured by the troops after she was allegedly abandoned by her comrades. Soldiers also recovered a hand grenade and components for improvised explosive devices (IEDs) at the encounter site.

“1st Lieutenant Dean Oyando embodied the courage and dedication of the Filipino soldier. His ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of peace strengthens our resolve to continue the mission he bravely carried out—to protect our communities and secure lasting peace in our area of responsibility,” Aquino said.

The Sunday clash, which coincided with the anniversary of the NPA, founded on March 29, 1969, was not an isolated incident in the area as the same military unit engaged the same rebel group in Barangay Monteclaro on March 24.

That previous encounter led to the recovery of a firearm and the discovery of bloodstains, which indicated casualties among the fleeing rebels.

“This is a main disruption to their plans as they have been pummeled on their anniversary celebration. We are seeing that their ability to operate is being steadily reduced, they continue to lose ground as our operations intensify,” Aquino said.

The 2ID said that the focus remains on preventing the insurgents from regrouping in the province, hence the has intensified its footprint in Mindoro to dismantle remaining guerrilla fronts.

“Our continuous operations have undeniably disrupted the armed group’s movements and significantly diminished their capabilities. The terrorist NPA cannot hide from the long arms of the government as we build on the ultimate sacrifice of our fallen comrade and continue to apply the full force of the command to prevent them from regrouping,” Aquino added.

The military urged local residents to remain vigilant as pursuit operations continue in the mountainous areas of San Jose.

“We encourage the public to stay alert and to coordinate with local authorities in reporting any information that may help in our operations,” Aquino said.