Army troopers recovered a high-powered firearm and subversive materials in an encounter with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in a remote village in Kiamba town, Sarangani province on Dec. 6.
Lt. Col. Anhouvic Atilano, commanding officer of the Army’s 38th Infantry Battalion, said in an interview on Tuesday their troops were conducting a security patrol around 11:35 a.m. at a portion of Sitio Datal Bong, Barangay Nalus in Kiamba when they clashed with an estimated 30 rebels.
“We launched focused military operations in the area to counter reports of harassment and extortion activities by the NPA among community residents,” Atilano said.
The rebels were reportedly led by a certain Kempy Maguan alias Bambam of the Platoon Central of the NPA’s Guerilla Front 73 (Musa).
The Army official said the rebels retreated towards the mountainous portions of the area following the nearly 30-minute encounter.
He said they recovered at the scene a 5.56mm M16 A1 rifle, subversive and war documents, and various personal belongings.
A soldier identified as Private First Class Emmanuel Pagunsan was slightly wounded in the clash and is currently recuperating in an undisclosed hospital.
The NPA is believed to have suffered casualties based on the blood stains found in their abandoned position and withdrawal route.
Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the Joint Task Force Central and the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said in a statement that the intensified operations in the area will continue to ensure the security and safety of local communities.
He called on the remaining NPA members to surrender and “return to the folds of the law”.
“Your government has prepared the necessary assistance to help all of you begin a normal life with your families,” Uy said.
He was referring to the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, which provides rebel returnees with financial and livelihood grants, and other support assistance.
Since January, Uy said more than 100 rebels have already surrendered in parts of Soccsksargen (Region 12) and the neighboring areas, further weakening the remaining NPA fronts in the area.
The Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
Source: Philippines News Agency