Troopers from the Cagayan De Oro-based 4th Infantry Division
have successfully captured two New People's Army (NPA) camps during two
separate armed encounters in Barangay Padiay, Sibagat town, Agusan Del Sur on
Monday.
The first clash happened at about 12:50 p.m. wherein troops
of 26th Infantry Battalion led by 2Lt. Bryan O. Villena were able to engage
rebel forces in a 10-minute firefight which ended with the NPAs retreating,
leaving their makeshift camp and some AK-47 automatic rifle ammunition.
Another encounter took place at 3:10 p.m. as troopers from
the 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion under Capt. Romeo Ferdinand N. Bautista engaged
an estimated 30 rebels in a 40-minute gun battle.
After incurring casualties, the NPA band abandoned their
camp, leaving behind four IEDs and assorted war paraphernalia.
Major Christian Uy, 4th Infantry Division spokesperson, said
the second NPA camp can accommodate about 50 persons.
No losses were sustained by government forces in the two
encounters.
Barangay Padiay is a hinterland community which is also in
the boundary of Agusan Del Sur, Agusan Del Norte and Surigao Del Sur.
These areas are known to be NPA safe havens and have been
the staging areas in conducting different atrocities in the region.
One of these was their multiple murder of civilians
particularly the killing of Joey Sabas, Noel Estiban, Nanny Egua and Godofredo
Piamonte in Prosperidad, Agusan Del Sur on July 16, 2014.
“We are now fighting the NPas in their strongholds and we
will continue to hunt to prevent them from harming our fellow Filipinos,” 4th
Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Oscar T. Lactao said.
“Our fellow Filipinos have always been wanting for a
peaceful CARAGA. We are calling on our brothers who are still in the mountains
fighting against the government to lay down their arms and return back to the
folds of the law. It is not yet too late and together, we can help you to grow
and live a normal life," he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=738537
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