Soldiers clash with NPA rebels in Bukidnon

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 29): Soldiers clash with NPA rebels in Bukidnon

A gun battle between soldiers of 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB) and the New People’s Army (NPA) occurred Friday afternoon, June 22, in a forested area near Paculab sub-village, Barangay Kalabugao, Impasugong, Bukidnon.

Lt. Col. Ronald Illana, 8IB Commanding Officer, said the soldiers were on combat clearing operations around 2:50 p.m when they encountered armed rebels under SECOM 89, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs).

He said the CPP-NPA terrorists immediately fled the scene after the firefight that lasted for about 15 minutes.

While the government troops are combing the area to track down the rebels, they recovered an M16 rifle of the CNTs.

The commanding officer said there were no casualties reported on the government soldiers, while undetermined casualties on the enemy side.

In a statement, Lt. Col. Ronald Illana reassured the people about the unit’s equal commitment to peace and in securing the communities from CNT threats.

“The 8th Infantry Battalion continues to perform its mandate to secure the IP-dominated communities of Impasugong town from threats, exploitation, and extortion that are rampantly steered by the CNTs. We all want peace. However, we cannot ‘turn a blind eye’ to any hostilities plaguing in various communities. We will continue to protect the people even as we await any progress on the peace talks,” Lt. Col. Illana said. (1Lt. Erwin P. Bugarin, CMO Officer, 8th Infantry Battalion, 4ID, PA/PIA Bukidnon)

http://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1009690