ONE SOLDIER was killed in a clash with members of New People’s Army (NPA) at Sitio Kambangon, Barangay Lilingayon, an outskirt community of Valencia City, over the weekend.
Meanwhile, nine high-powered firearms and improvised explosive devices were recovered on the scene.
Maj. Ezra Balagtey, spokesperson of Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), said troops under 1st Special Forces Battalion (1SFBn) under the 403rd Infantry Brigade, 4th Infantry Division acted to the report.
Balagtey said the encounter transpired after the troops and Philippine National Police in the area responded to the report from the citizen that armed men have been frequenting their community and demanding food and money.
The NPAs pulled out after two hours of firefight.
Upon the clearing operation, troops recovered two AK47 rifles, two M653 rifles and five M16 rifles, three handheld radios, five gallons of gas and subversive documents. They also found one bomb on the scene (along with) eight AK47, three M14, and one M16 Magazines; one Rifle grenade; five gallons of gas; three Handheld radios, NPA personal belongings and subversive documents of high intelligence value.
Lt. Gen. Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero, commander of EastMinCom, expressed his grief for the loss of one soldier while also commending the troops for their prompt action in protecting the communities.
“The reports of the civilian led to the incident are a reminder on the part of the lawless armed group that they are not welcome in the communities,” Guerrero said.
“That the peace-loving populace do not support armed struggle is enough reason for the NPA to heed the President’s call, lay down their arms and abandon armed struggle for lasting peace and inclusive development,” he added.
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