Gov’t troops score in clash with NPA rebels in Agnor

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 17): Gov’t troops score in clash with NPA rebels in Agnor

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City - Government troops under 29th Infantry Battalion (29IB) and 13th Regional Police Service Battalion clashed with communist rebels killing a still undetermined number of gunmen in the hinter-area of Brgy. Hinimbangan, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte around 8:20 a.m., Monday.

An information was relayed by a concerned civilian in the area about the presence of some 30 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels believed to be members of Guerilla Front 16 of North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee who are extorting money from the local populace in the area in preparation to support the logistical requirements for the upcoming anniversary celebration on March 29.

Ltc Adonis Ariel Orio, 29IB Commanding Officer, immediately coordinated with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to conduct a joint operation to go after the said NPAs.

Upon arrival at the said area, NPAs indiscriminately opened fire against the government troops unmindful of the presence of civilians in the community. The troops managed to maneuver to a more advantage position and were able to return fire against the NPAs. Troops inflicted casualties to the NPAs. After the 20-minute gun battle, the NPAs withdrew out of the engagement area. Civilians in the area have seen the engaged NPAs carrying their wounded and dead comrades.

Recovered from the area are the following: one M203 grenade launcher, three M16 and two AK 47 rifles, undetonated Improvised Explosive Devices with complete paraphernalia, backpacks of NPA casualties and subversive documents with high intelligence value.

Troops also recovered one dead NPA and is now being facilitated by the 29IB, PNP and local government unit of Kitcharao for identification and proper disposition.
Ltc Orio immediately ordered his troop to conduct pursuit operation against the escaping NPAs.

Major General Oscar T Lactao, Commander of 4th Infantry Division, congratulated his gallant troops together with the PNP in performing their duty in protecting the people in Kitcharao against the lawless elements.

“We also would like to thank the people for giving us timely and complete information about the presence of the NPAs in their community,” he said.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1701426571695/gov-t-troops-score-in-clash-with-npa-rebels-in-agnor