Soldiers clash with NPA rebels in Bukidnon

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 24): Soldiers clash with NPA rebels in Bukidnon

MARAMAG, Bukidnon -- A gun battle between the government troops and the New People’s Army (NPA) occurred early Tuesday morning, January 22 in Kasilaan sub-village, Barangay Halapitan in San Fernando, Bukidnon. Lt. Col. Jose Maria Cuerpo II, Commanding Officer, 8th IB, said the government forces led by 2nd Lt. Cirian Rosero of Bravo Company, 8th Infantry Battalion, 4ID, Philippine Army, were on combat clearing operations at 5 a.m. when they encountered about 10 armed NPA rebels believed to be members of Sangay ng Platon Pampropaganda 3, Front Committee 6, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee under Reynante Tumbalang also known as “Kumander Jigger.” "The NPA rebels immediately fled the scene after the firefight that lasted for about 40 minutes," he said.

While the soldiers are combing the area to flush out the fleeing communist rebels, they recovered one US Springfield Single Shot Garand rifle and assorted subversive documents. Cuerpo said there were no casualties reported on the pursuing government soldiers, while undetermined casualties were reported on the enemy side.

“The 8th Infantry “Dependable” Battalion troopers will continue to exert proactive actions to foil any forms of armed threat that will hamper normal activities of the community,” he said.  He also stressed that maintenance of peace to pave way for development is their prime objective in carrying out their tasks. (8IB/4ID/PA/PIA Bukidnon)

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1501358994944