May 17, 2020, Lupon, Davao Oriental – Kamagong troopers under the leadership of LTC ALEXANDER D BANATAO clash once again with members of the New People’s Army (NPA) at Sitio Piagdugan, Brgy Maragatas, Lupon, Davao Oriental yesterday morning.
A firefight has erupted when NPA rebels fired upon the troops of 28th Infantry Battalion conducting security operations to act upon a call from a local official fearing the presence of armed rebels in their community. During the said gun battle, the NPA rebels detonated two (2) Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) causing slight injury to three (3) soldiers which slowed down the movement of the troops from pursuing them. However, with stunning determination, troops were able to maneuver the enemy defense and overran their position. The injured soldiers were immediately airlifted to Camp Panacan Hospital for treatment and are now in stable condition.
Their continuous use of IEDs only shows the blatant disregard of the NPAs on the International Humanitarian Law which strongly prohibits the use of landmines or IEDs.
Shortly thereafter, another tip from a local resident has led to the conduct of a law enforcement operation that resulted to the apprehension of a certain Jimmy Mandabon, a known hardcore NPA militia, conducting reconnaisance at Purok Lunod of same barangay. Upon showing simple gesture of kindness, subject voluntarily divulged an information about an arms cache at Sitio Sigang, still of the same barangay, that was entrusted to him by the NPA bandits.
Immediately, Ltc Banatao ordered the execution of a joint retrieval operation which was conducted by troops from the 701st Brigade, 28IB and the Davao Oriental Provincial Mobile Force Company (DOPMFC). Troops were able to recover two (2) Garrand rifles, one (1) M16 rifle, one (1) AR15 rifle, and one (1) utlimax MK3 Machine Gun within the vicinity of Jimmy’s residence at Sitio Sigang.
Said NPA militia was then brought to the Lupon Municipal Police Station for proper filing.
In an interview, Hon Beverly Rebalde, the Barangay Chairperson of Brgy Maragatas, expressed dismay at the atrocities caused by the NPA rebels inspite of the overwhelming Covid19 crisis. With this, she calls on her constituents to unite and stand against the NPA rebels causing disorder in their place as she declares them ‘Persona Non-grata’ in their barangay.
Meanwhile, Ltc Banatao lauded the efforts and sacrifices of the troops in securing the communities from threat and harm caused by the NPA bandits. He also expressed gratitude to the local community for helping the authorities in the fight against insurgency. “Timely and accurate information from the community greatly helps us in our pursuit to end insurgency and attain a genuine and lasting peace in the 2nd District of Davao Oriental”, Ltc Banatao said.
He also urges the remaining members of the New People’s Army to surrender and return to the folds of law and avail government programs such as the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) for them to start a peaceful beginning with their families especially in this time of crisis.
[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]
https://www.kalinawnews.com/army-rebels-clash-anew-hardcore-npa-militia-apprehended/
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