Two soldiers wounded in encounter with alleged NPAs in North Cotabato

May 9, 2018

Two soldiers were wounded in an encounter with alleged members of New People’s Army (NPA) in North Cotabato Tuesday morning.

Capt. Nell Ven Maybanting, civil military operations officer the  39th Infantry Battalion, said wounded were Sgt. Calixto Carmona III and Pfc. Randolf Ryan Francisco.

He said based on initial report troops were conducting security operations when they encountered the armed men in the vicinity of Sitio Kapatagan, Brgy Luayon, Makilala town around 10:40 am.

Maybanting said the security operation was conducted by the soldiers in response to the reported presence of the NPA members.

“The troops acted upon the reports of the civilians that members of armed NPA terrorists are planning to sow terror against private companies that allegedly fail to meet the extortion demand of the terrorist,” he said.

Maybanting said according 39th IB commander Lieutenant Col. Rhojun Rosales,the fire fight that lasted for about 40 minutes cause undetermined casualty on the enemy side.

“For those wounded terrorists and some who are still hiding, it is high time for you to peacefully surrender and bring down your fire arms to the folds of law and avail the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) of our government,” Rosales said. Robina Asido/DMS