Army seizes CPP-NPA hideout in Bukidnon

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 8, 2019): Army seizes CPP-NPA hideout in Bukidnon  (By 8th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)


IMPASUGONG, BUKIDNON, Aug. 3 (PIA) -- Army troopers of the 8th Infantry “Dependable” Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, while conducting military operation, figured in an encounter against more or less 100 NPA members of Sentro De Grabidad Dario, Peddler and Compaq, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee at an uninhabited place in Brgy. Bolonay, Impasugong, Bukidnon on August 1.

The security forces, upon receiving the information on the presence of the CPP-NPA from concerned citizens, immediately responded with a plan.

A 20-minute firefight occurred in the NPA’s hideout prompting them to scamper in different directions.

The troops were able to occupy the NPA lair (60mx200m) that can accommodate 150 makeshift bunkers (papag style), recovered four unexploded anti-personnel mines, 100-meter electrical wires, assorted medicines, and personal belongings. 

Likewise, the operating troops also reported that bloodstains were seen on the NPA's withdrawal routes.

In his statement, Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Illana, the Commanding Officer of the 8th Infantry Battalion said, “These NPAs merged their groups because they are now lacking in manpower. They are disintegrated and isolated. The people have spoken and always ready to give us any monitored enemy movement.”

“The populace is now cooperating by giving information reflecting their willingness to be freed from NPA terrorism."

Illana commended the soldiers, saying, “To the Dependable troopers, again another job well done! Be alert in confronting the terrorist groups especially in handling the anti-personnel mines."

The use of anti-personnel mine is a violation of the Ottawa Convention and NPAs continue disregarding this as a manifestation of its evolution into a terrorist organization. (8th IB, PA/PIA10)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1025549