Rebels attack Army troopers in Bukidnon

From the Sun Star-Cagayan de Oro (Feb 26): Rebels attack Army troopers in Bukidnon

THE military on Friday accused the New People's Army (NPA) of disrupting a humanitarian mission for the lumads (indigenous people), saying the troops of the Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion were conducting a community outreach program in Impasug-ong town, Bukidnon when attacked by rebels.

About 30 rebel fired upon troops on Tuesday morning, causing a one-hour firefight in a forested area at Sitio Tagbakan, Canagaan, Cabanglasan town in Bukidnon.

The military said the rebels who engaged its troops belong to the NPA’s Section Committee 89 of the Northern Central Mindanao Committee.

Captain Norman Tagros of the 8IB said there were no casualties among the troops.
Tagros, however, said that the rebels may have suffered casualties after soldiers found traces of blood were found in the encounter area.

Also found were an improvised explosive device (IED), detonating wires, including assorted documents.

Tagros said the military will continue its outreach programs despite threats of more attacks.

He said a total of 500 residents were able to avail medical consultation, dental services, livestock immunization, and circumcision.

"The NPA does not want government services to be brought in the community so that they may continuously recruit residents to join in their struggle," LTC Lennon Babilonia, 8IB commanding officer, said.

"Even in the face of danger, we won't stop serving the people, especially in lumad communities were NPA atrocities occur," he added.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2016/02/26/rebels-attack-army-troopers-bukidnon-459504