Army-NPA encounters anew in Surigao, one NPA died

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 24): Army-NPA encounters anew in Surigao, one NPA died

An encounter ensued between the troops of 30th Infantry Battalion and New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay Mabini an outskirt barangay of Surigao City at 9:30 AM, Sunday.

The presence of the NPAs was tipped by a concern citizen in the area. According to him, 20 armed men are extorting from the populace in their community.

This prompted the 30IB to send troops to the said area but was fired upon and immediately encountered the said armed group as the troops approached the general vicinity. The encounter that lasted for 15 minutes resulted to the death of one NPA (Name is for confirmation), recovery of one AK 47, and subversive documents with high intelligence value.

Ltc Arsenio Sadural, Commanding Officer of the 30IB said, “the civilian populace in the area are now aware of the dangers brought by the NPA’s in the community and so they are more cooperative with the military especially in monitoring the movements of this communist armed group.”

“We are saddened for another Filipino losing his life in this nonsense battle. For the bereaved family of the NPA, we are sorry for your loss,” Ltc Sadural added.

He immediately ordered his troops to conduct pursuit operation to drive away the NPAs in the surrounding communities.

Meantime, Col. Ferdinand F. Quidilla, Commander of 402nd Infantry Brigade, has also congratulated the troops for their display of courage. "They have earned distinct credit and honor not only for the Armed Forces of the Philippines but for the entire Filipino people whom we dedicate our service,” Quidilla said.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1701393228360