GOVERNMENT troops have discovered an encampment the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels hastily abandoned following an airstrike in the hinterlands of Sultan Kudarat, officials said.

The airstrike was launched Thursday upon confirmation of the veracity of a plenum activity of the NPA’s Sub-Regional Command Daguma at Sitio Kuden in Barangay Batang Bagras, Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat.

Colonel Wilbur Mamawag, Army’s 603rd Infantry Brigade commander, said the NPA encampment was discovered by the 37th Infantry Battalion while conducting clearing operation after the airstrike.

The encampment has around 100 bunkers made of indigenous materials, foxholes, multi-purpose structures with chairs and improvised blackboard, obstacle courses, documents, and tourniquet.

Major General Diosdado Carreon, Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander, said the encampment is used by the NPA’s Sub-Regional Command Daguma for regional assessment and training based on the report from the civilians.

Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, said the timely report of the civilians shows the populace are supportive of the security forces.

“This manifests that the strong coordination among the local government unit, the populace, and the traditional and religious leaders with the AFP (Armed Force of the Philippines), ensures the end of terrorism and lawlessness in due time,” Sobejana said. (SunStar Zamboanga)