A NEW People's Army (NPA) rebel was killed and four others were captured in two separate clashes with government troops in Talakag and Valencia City, Bukidnon Saturday, September 10, 2021.
According to Brigadier General Ferdinand Barandon, 403rd brigade commander, the clashes happened after they received a tip-off from the residents and they were able to track and overran the rebels' hideout.
"Around 7 a.m. yesterday (September 10), troops of 88IB under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel James Christian Vingno, figured in another encounter against more or less 10 CNTs (communist NPA terrorists) under alias DR of Platoon Bagsik, GF Malayag, SRC2, NCMRC at a forested area of Purok 10, So Narulang, Barangay Laligan, Valencia City, Bukidnon," Barandon said.
The military reported that the firefight lasted about 30 minutes, which resulted in the capture of four rebels, including a 15-year-old and a 17-year-old.
Also recovered were three M16 rifles and three AR15 rifles.
"We thank the civilians who voluntarily and actively participated in our fight against the Communist Terrorist Group by relaying timely information. Without their help, these terrorists will still roam freely and continuously threaten the peace in our communities," Barandon said.
Meanwhile, the 1st Special Forces Battalion (1SFBn) under the operational control of the 403rd Brigade of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division prevented an attack against the personnel and equipment of 524th Engineering Brigade, who were constructing a road project for the residents of Barangay Baylanan, Talakag in Bukidnon.
The 1SFBn clashed with more or less 20 NPA rebels. The firefight resulted in the death of one rebel and recovery of one M16 rifle, one 9-millimeter Barrette, and two rifle grenades.
Major General Romeo S Brawner Jr., the commander of 4ID, said he was saddened by the loss of life and at the same time alarmed, especially with the involvement of minors in the fight.
The 4ID commander also appealed to the officials of local government units to extend their assistance to the captured and dead NPA rebels, including their families as well.
"Naghihinayang tayo sa mga buhay na nawala dahil sa walang katuturang idolohiya na sinusulong ng teroristang CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA-National Democratic Front of the Philippines) lalo na may mga menor de edad na nagagamit at nababawela ang karapatang pantao. Sila man ay kalaban ng pamahalaan, hindi natin maikakaila na biktima lang din sila sa mga pagmamanipula at panloloko ng mga kumunistang CPP-NPA-NDF," Brawner said.
Brawner also called for the cooperation of the public in their fight against the NPA rebels.
"Nananawagan po tayo sa mga mamamayan na kung merun silang nalalaman na sugatang NPA o meron po silang nalalamang NPA na nagtatago pagkatapos nitong ilang beses na sagupaan sa Bukidnon, sabihan po sila na huwag po silang matakot," Brawner said.
"Isangguni po sila sa mga opisyales ng barangay upang maalalayan at maihatid sa aming pinakamalapit na kampo sa inyung lugar. Sisiguraduhain po namin ang inyung kaligtasan, gagamutin at aalagaan po namin kayo at bibigyan ng bagong mga oportunidad kasama ang inyung pamilya," he added.