Alleged NPA killed in Bukidnon

April 9, 2019

An alleged member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed while six firearms were recovered following two encounters with the military in Bukidnon last Sunday.

Lt. Col. Ezra Balagtey, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Eastern Mindanao Command spokesman, said the first encounter was between the troops of 3rd Infantry Battalion and an undetermined number of rebels at Sitio Ngaran, Barangay Kipilas, Kitaota around 9:50 am.

He said the troops were conducting a community support program when they encountered the armed men while verifying the reported presence of this group within the area.

Balagtey said after the clash that lasted for about 15 minutes the rebels withdrew to a northeasterly direction were they faced pursuing troops of Alpha Company under the 3rd Infantry Battalion around 10:15 am of the same day.

He said the second clash that lasted for two hours has resulted in the death of one rebel and the recovery of one AK-47 rifle; one M-653 rifle; one M-16 rifle; three cal 45 pistols; one improvised explosive; one combat pack; personal belongings and subversive documents.

“Continuous pursuit operations are being conducted by the troops of 3rd Infantry Battalion to prevent the communist terrorist group from conducting atrocities against the neighboring communities,” said Balagtey. Robina Asido/DMS