Army troops pursue rebels in Talaingod

From the Sun Star-Davo: Army troops pursue rebels in Talaingod

TROOPS belonging to Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) launched Sunday a pursuit operation against suspected members of the New People's Army (NPA) they encountered in Barangay Dagohoy, Talaingod, Davao del Norte.

"We are tracking these rebels with the help of the community. Information is coming from them. We will continue to pursue them in their lairs and ensure the protection and security for the people and of the communities," Eastmincom commander Lieutenant General Aurelio Baladad said.

Eastmincom spokesperson Major Ezra Balagtey said the Philippine Army's 68th Infantry Battalion troops were conducting patrol on Km. 31 in Barangay Dagohoy when they crossed path with a number of rebels around 3 p.m. Saturday.

Based on information, the encounter lasted for around 20 minutes before the NPA rebels withdrew and scampered to different areas, leaving some of their baggage.

Balagtey said that their troops recovered landmine paraphernalia, medical kits and subversive documents.

In a separate incident, troops belonging to the 60th Infantry Battalion encountered retreating NPA rebels in Barangay Andap, Laak town in Compostela Valley on Friday morning following an encounter in nearby Barangay Kiokmay, where the firefight lasted for about 30 minutes.

"Fortunately, there were no casualty from the government side and the communist rebels side as well, despite the series of encounter. The government still encouraged the NPA rebels lay down their firearms and return to the folds of the law," Balagtey said.

Baladad said since the lifting of the Suspension of Military Operations last January 19, their office recorded 11 encounters against the rebels.

He said these clashes led to the recovery of three high-powered firearms and discovery of 13 NPA encampments, while nine rebels surrendered.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2015/02/01/army-troops-pursue-rebels-talaingod-389700