Army seized NPA regional headquarters

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 11): Army seized NPA regional headquarters

The Regional Headquarters of the New People’s Army (NPA) Northeastern Mindanao Region was seized by Special Forces after a 30-minute running gun battle on November 2 at 1:30 pm.

The elements of the Regional Sentro de Grabidad (RSDG) of Communist NPA under Northeastern Mindanao Regional Command were caught in a surprise when attacked by a platoon of the Special Forces under Captain Elpidio B de Castro of 9th Special Forces Company, 3rd Special Forces Battalion while encamped having a ceremony “tribute for their fallen comrade” at So Hebron, Brgy New Tubigon, Sibagat town Agusan del Sur.

The enemy camp has estimated land area of 15,000 sq. m. with 81 bunkers made out of tent and wooden bedsteads, along with five multi-purpose halls that serve as their kitchen and lecture room which can accommodate 30 people. It is situated at the peak of Makalo mountain range overlooking So Hebron of said place.

Around 80 Communist NPAs occupying the camp fled in different direction during the attack. They also dragged their killed and wounded comrades during their escape. After the firefight, troops were able to recover one m16 rifle with M203 grenade launcher, one improvised grenade launcher, one portable generator set, improvised explosive devices, two caliber .45 pistols, 5 Icom radios, voluminous subversive documents and other war materials.

“The Communist NPA in the provinces of Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur are now gradually losing the people’s support; they are always in a defensive mode, we will sustain our momentum to wipe them out. However we will still give them a chance if they’ll opt to go back into the fold of law” says Col Gregory M Cayetano, 401st Brigade Commander.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1701415586549/army-seized-npa-regional-headquarters