NPA rebel killed in MisOr clash

By Nef Luczon / Philippine News Agency

PEACE PROCESS. The 58th Infantry ‘Dimalulupig’ Battalion leads an aid-distribution activity related to the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program at an integrated school in Barangay Pigsaluhan, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental on Aug. 21. Members of the 58IB were also part of an encounter on Saturday (Aug. 28, 2021) that resulted in the death of one New People’s Army rebel. (Photo courtesy of 4ID Facebook)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Army's 4th Infantry Division (4ID) on Sunday confirmed the death of a New People’s Army (NPA) rebel after a firefight in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental on Aug. 28.

Maj. Francisco Garello, 4ID Public Affairs Office chief, in a statement, said the 42nd Division Reconnaissance Company (42DRC) under the operational control of 58th Infantry Battalion (58IB) of the 402nd Infantry Brigade found the body of the NPA guerrilla at around 5:30 a.m. on Sunday.

"Troops are still conducting pursuit operations against fleeing CNTs (Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA Terrorists)," the 4ID statement read.

The encounter started late Saturday afternoon in Sitio Dumagook, Barangay Lawaan.

Elements of the 42DRC clashed against 10 rebels, believed to be elements of the Sub-regional Sentro De Gravidad MTJ Eagles of the North Central Mindanao Regional Command.

A report from the 58IB stated that the 25-minute firefight resulted in the seizure of two M16 and one M14 rifles.

No casualty was reported on the government side.

Maj. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr, the 4ID commander, congratulated government troops who also facilitated recent surrenders that yielded 10 firearms and Saturday's encounter.

"These accomplishments are results of careful planning and strategy borne out from good intelligence, and the flawless execution of competent and capable leaders and soldiers. Congratulations to 42nd DRC and the 58th IB,” Brawner said in a statement.

Since January this year, 131 encounters have already transpired between the 4ID troops and the rebels that resulted in the neutralization of 342 NPA members -- 35 killed, 63 captured, and 168 fighters and 76 Militia ng Bayan enticed to surrender.

A total of 1,123 members of underground mass organizations within the 4ID jurisdiction have also withdrawn support from the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)