EASTMINCOM: Gov't troops recover High-powered Firearms as running gun battle erupts against NPA in DavOr

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Nov 16, 2020): Gov't troops recover High-powered Firearms as running gun battle erupts against NPA in DavOr

LUPON, Davao Oriental - A 30-minute gun battle transpired between the elements of the 28th Infantry Battalion (IB) and a group of CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNT) near a populated community in Barangay Marayag, Lupon, Davao Oriental early morning of November 15, 2020.

After receiving reports from concerned residents about the presence of armed men near their place, the Commander of the 28th IB, LT COL ALEXANDER D BANATAO, immediately and deliberately planned out a strike security operation in order to safeguard the community from the presence of the terrorists that poses fear and danger in the lives of the residents.

At around 8 o'clock in the morning, Kamagong troopers were able to encounter more or less twenty (20) NPA terrorists in the vicinity of Sitio Polia, Barangay Marayag, Lupon, Davao Oriental.



With dedication and commitment to protecting the communities, troops were able to overrun the enemy encampment and recovered three (3) M16 rifles, one (1) M653 rifle, one (1) Caliber. 45 pistol, ammunitions of different calibers to include Eleven (11) 40mm High Explosive Ammunitions, several medicines and medical paraphernalia, Solar Panels, Two-way commercial radio, subversive documents, and other personal belongings believed to be from the fleeing NPA terrorists who scampered into different directions.

On the other hand, members of the 11th Tactical Operations Group of the Philippine Airforce provided close air support to the encountered troops that greatly helped in demoralizing the NPAs that led to their withdrawal.

It can be noted that last November 1, 2020, a high powered firearm was also recovered by the troops of 28IB in the same barangay after one NPA member surrendered and revealed the presence of an arms cache in the barangay.



Meanwhile, Lt Col Banatao lauded the sacrifices and commitment of the troops in securing the communities from the harm of the NPA Bandits.

"Una po sa lahat, mariin po naming kinukondina, kasama ang lokal na pamahalaan ng Davao Oriental na pinamumunuan ng ating butihing Gobernador, Hon Nelson L Dayanghirang, ang presensya ng anumang teroristang grupo dto sa Probinsya ng Davao Oriental. Ito po ay kailanman hindi makakatulong sa ating bayan at sa mga mamamayan, bagkos ay makakadulot pa ng pinsala sa ating mga kababayan, he said.

"Nagpapasalamat naman po kami sa ating mga kababayan lalong lalo na sa mga residente ng Barangay Marayag sa tulong at suporta sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng mga impormasyon patungkol sa presensya ng armadong grupo sa inyong lugar. Patunay po ito na ayaw nang magpagamit at magpaloko ng ating mga kababayan sa panlilinlang ng mga teroristang NPA sa kanilang Komunidad. Makakaasa naman po kayo na lagi ninyong maaasahan ang presensya at tulong ng inyong kasundaluhan sa 28IB sa pananatili ng kaayusan at kapayapaan sa probinsya ng Davao Oriental," Lt. Col. Banatao added.

The 28IB seeks any information about the presence and activities of any armed group in your areas, please call/text the 28IB hotline numbers: 09173033107 or visit the 28th Infantry Battalion Facebook account. Together we can help End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) in the Province of Davao Oriental. ELCAC Now!

Source: Civil-Military Operations Office, 28th Infantry Battalion, Joint Task Force Agila, PA

https://www.eastmincomafp.com.ph/2020/11/govt-troops-recover-high-powered.html