Airstrikes hit alleged NPA meeting, camp found in Sultan Kudarat

October 26, 2019

Government troops discovered an alleged New People's Army (NPA) encampment in Sultan Kudarat after an air strike was done on the site of the communists' meeting last Thursday afternoon.

Maj. Arvin Encinas, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Mindanao Command spokesman, said the air strike was implemented after confirming a plenum of the Sub-Regional Command Daguma of the communist terrorist group was being held in Sitio Kuden, Barangay Batang Bagras, Palimbang.

Encinas said while conducting clearing operation, troops of the 603rd Infantry Brigade through the 37th Infantry Battalion, discovered the enemy encampment.

"(The) encampment contains more or less 100 bunkers made of indigenous materials; foxholes; classrooms/multi-purpose structures (Pulang Paaralan) with chairs and improvised blackboard; obstacle courses; documents; and tourniquet," he said.

Encinas said, according to Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon, commander of the Joint Task Force Central, civilians reported that the encampment is used by the NPA’s Sub-Regional Command Daguma for regional assessment and training.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, chief of the Western Mindanao Command, said the recovery of the NPA encampment manifests the "strong coordination among the local government unit, the populace, and the traditional and religious leaders with the AFP, ensures the end of terrorism and lawlessness in due time." Robina Asido/DMS