A TOP military field commander vowed to relentlessly pursue the remaining New People’s Army (NPA) rebels who intend to wreak havoc in the hinterlands of Zamboanga del Sur.

Lieutenant Colonel Jo-ar Herrera, 53rd Infantry Battalion commander, issued the statement Saturday, November 20, 2021, after troops of the battalion clashed on two separate occasions against the NPA rebels in Zamboanga del Sur.

The first clash happened Thursday, November 18, in the boundaries of Sitio Ditalipon in Dilud village, Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur and Sitio Kusingan in Tinago village, Sergio Osmeña, Zamboanga del Norte.

The second clash occurred Friday, November 19, in Purok 2, Saad, Dumingag village.

The NPA rebels scampered in different directions as the troops outmaneuvered them.

“We will be firm in keeping the peace here in Dumingag. We will be relentless, and we will hit them hard, just to keep the people safe,” said Herrera.

The troops recovered one M16A1 rifle with magazine and ammunition, personal belongings, assorted medical paraphernalia, one portable burner, and hygiene kits the NPA abandoned as they fled in different directions. (SunStar Zamboanga)