The Daily Manila Shimbun

 

4 alleged NPAs, two soldier die in Bukidnon clash

February 15, 2019



Four alleged New People's Army (NPA) members and two soldiers were killed in an encounter  in Bukidnon on Thursday night.

Capt. Regie Go, public affairs officer of the 4th Infantry Division,  said troops of 1st Special Forces Battalion were conducting community activities in Sitio Green Valley, Brgy Dalwangan, Malaybalay City when they were fired upon around 9:40 pm.

"It was learned that the troops are conducting community activities and were requested by the villagers to set-up patrol base in the community to assist and secure them due to the presence of the NPA terrorists who... forced them to give money and goods from the poultry farm," he said.

"The exchange of fire last for about 15 minutes while another five-minute encounter ensued with government troops conducting pursuit operations not far away from Sitio Green Valley which forced the NPA terrorists to withdraw," he added.

He said civilians told them four alleged NPAs died.

Go said troops recovered two M16 rifles; two unexploded anti-personnel mines; 200-meter wires, ammunition, magazines for M16 rifle and personal belongings of the attackers after the clash.

He said, according to Col Edgardo De Leon, commander of the 403rd Brigade, the anti-personnel mines were recovered with the help of civilians.

"The continuing use of anti-personnel landmines just proved their act of terrorism which rightfully supports the declaration of EU and US for the declaration of CPP-NPA as among the list of terrorist groups," he added. Robina Asido/DMS