AFP captures NPA training camp in Mindanao, Army soldier killed

From the Manila Bulletin (Nov 20): AFP captures NPA training camp in Mindanao, Army soldier killed

Government special security forces captured an alleged training camp of the communist insurgents in Southern Philippines, military officials reported Thursday.

After clearing and mopping up operations on Tuesday and Wednesday, combat troops of the 3rd Special Forces Battalion (3rd SFB) and Cafgu Active Auxiliary (CAA) led by certain Sgt. Mendaros found running trenches, bunkers, makeshift huts with kitchen and lecture area, listening posts and training ground inside the camp.

“The captured NPA camp can accommodate more than 60 persons,” said Capt. Patrick Martinez, acting regional information officer of the Army’s 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, in an exclusive interview with Manila Bulletin yesterday.

The combat maneuvering troops of the 3rd SFB and CAA, also captured inside the NPA camp an M16 Armalite rifle attached with M203 grenade launcher, improvised explosive devices (IED’s), undetermined number of assorted live ammunitions, medical paraphernalia and assorted medicines, backpacks with personal belongings, laminated sacks used as shelter of live ammunitions and anti-government documents with high intelligence value, Capt. Martinez said.

The regional Army spokesman claimed that the captured camp belongs to guerrila-Front Committee 8 of the CPP-NPA Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC). The camp was strategically located at the mountainous area of Pinagalaan, in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur.

“The rebels hastily abandoned their camp sensing that they were outgunned and outnumbered by the attacking column of 3rd SFB at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday,” Capt. Matinez added.

Early this month, government troops under the supervision of 401st Brigade also captured an alleged major NPA camp that could easily accommodate 100 persons in New Tubigon area in Sibagat town, next to Bayugan City of that same province.

Capt. Martinez also said the captured NPA camp is also complete with make shift-huts, kitchens, running trenches, bunkers and listening posts.

“Our troops who are currently conducting an all-out pursuit operation believe that an undetermined number of NPA rebels were either killed or wounded based on the bloodstains seen within the captured NPA camp in Pinagalaan area and along their escape route of withdrawal,” claimed Capt. Martinez.

An Army soldier was killed during the Pinagalaan gun-battle.

As of press time, more troops were deployed in Pinagalaan area to beef up the pursing combat troops of 3rd SFB and CAA.

http://www.mb.com.ph/afp-captures-npa-training-camp-in-mindanao-army-soldier-killed/