Soldier dies in clash vs. Reds in Oriental Mindoro

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 10): Soldier dies in clash vs. Reds in Oriental Mindoro

CAMP GENERAL MATEO CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal - Troops of the Army’s 4th Infantry Battalion (4IB) encountered the New People’s Army (NPA) Communist Terrorist group in Sitio Panahulugan, Barangay Panaytayan, Mansalay in Oriental Mindoro Monday morning.

Reports reaching the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry ‘Jungle Fighter’ Division (2ID) camp here said the firefight erupted around 6:50 a.m. and lasted 45 minutes.

Lieutenant Colonel Dennis C. Gutierrez, Commanding Officer of the 4IB, said the troops were conducting their combat operations afteroncerned citizens reported that a group of NPA terrorists were extorting money and food stuffs from the residents of the area.

Gutierrez said there were so many casualties on the rebels’ side as indicated by heavy blood stains in the encounter site and along the rebels’ escape route from the encounter site.

However, he said one fatality was reported from the government troops although the name was withheld pending information to the next of kin.

According to Gutierrez, the 4IB troopers searched the encounter area after the 45-minute gun battle and initially recovered war materials and equipment from the state enemies, such as an Improvised Explosive Device (IED); Apple laptop computer; computer hard drive; five cellular phones; two backpacks; and voluminous documents and medical supplies.

As of this posting, Major General Rhoderick Parayno, 2ID commander has already ordered the troops to pursue the retreating enemies.

“We will help them if they surrender. We will treat their wounded,” Parayno assured.

He also extended his condolences to the bereaved family of the slain soldier.

“Rest assured that his bravery and sacrifices will not be futile. We will continue to conduct combat operations to destroy and end this terrorist group the soonest possible time,” he vowed.

Government troops are now continuing their relentless pursuit operations against the communist terrorists.

“If they do not want to lay down their arms, we do not have other options but to run after them,” Parayno warned.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1047474