TWO MEMBERS of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in the intensified operations conducted by members of Philippine Army’s 10th Infantry Division in Alabel, Sarangani around 6 a.m. yesterday.
Five high-powered firearms and other war materials were recovered during the operation in Sitio Balataan, Barangay Pag-asa.
Col. Roberto Ancan, the 1002nd Infantry Brigade commander, told TIMES that the 10th ID’s 73rd Infantry (Neutralizer) Battalion encountered about 15 NPAs.
Ancan said the gunfight happened after the residents in the area reported to the authorities the presence of the armed group who were extorting and intimidating the locals.
He said 73rd IB soldiers immediately conducted security patrol in the area to verify the report.
Upon reaching the place, armed men opened fire on them. This prompted the troopers to return fire.
No casualty was reported on the government side, as two bodies of suspected rebels were found.
The identity of the fatalities is still unknown.
Ancan said blood stains in the withdrawal route indicated that there were other wounded NPA members.
Maj. Gen. Noel Clement, the 10th ID commander, is saddened that two more victims of the wrong propaganda have to die.
“Thus, we are calling on to the members of the NPAs to lay down their arms, surrender and avail the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP),” Clement said.
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