Friday, June 16, 2023

3 NPA rebels killed, 15 firearms seized in Butuan clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 16, 2023): 3 NPA rebels killed, 15 firearms seized in Butuan clash (By Alexander Lopez)



ENCOUNTER SITE. Photo shows the area where an encounter took place between the troops of the 29th Infantry Battalion and around 30 New People's Army rebels on Friday (June 16, 2023) in Mt. Apo-Apo, Sitio Dugyaman, Barangay Anticala, Butuan City. Three rebels were killed and 15 high-powered firearms were recovered by the government troops after the encounter. (Photo courtesy of 4ID)

BUTUAN CITY – Three New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed following an encounter with troops of the 29th Infantry Battalion (29IB) Friday morning in Barangay Anticala of this city.

1st Lt. Jade Bryce Buñe, the 29IB civil-military operations officer, said the troops encountered in Mt. Apo-Apo, Sitio Dugyaman of Antical village some 30 NPA rebels who were on the run from military forces.

“We received a tip from a civilian who saw the NPA rebels proceeding towards Mt. Apo-Apo area. After assessing his information, the battalion immediately launched a strike operation that resulted in the encounter,” Buñe said in an interview.

The 29IB also received information that among those with the rebel group was Maria Malaya, the secretary of the NPA North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee. Malaya, whose real name is Myrna Sularte, is the wife of Jorge Madlos, alias Ka Oris, one of the top NPA leaders in Mindanao killed in October 2021 in the hinterlands of Impasugong, Bukidnon.


“These are mixed forces of the NPA that are on the run as a result of our intensified military operations in the area,” Buñe said.

The 29IB troopers also recovered from the encounter site 15 high-powered firearms, ammunition, and other personal belongings left by the rebels when they withdrew from the encounter.

“Our troops are still in the area conducting hot pursuit operations,” Buñe added.

The remains of the three slain NPA rebels were recovered by the government troops though they have yet to be identified as of posting time.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1203706

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