NPA attacks in Bukidnon, Caraga foiled: Army

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) said government troops foiled attacks by communist rebels in several areas in the Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions over the weekend.

In a statement released Monday, Eastmincom said various Army units engaged the New People's Army (NPA) in at least five instances that led to the recovery of firearms and ammunition from the rebels.

Eastmincom said the attacks may have been related to the recent directive of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison for its armed wing to launch attacks on government targets.

It said the first attack occurred in Bukidnon on March 2 when personnel of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade responded to reports about an arms cache in Barangay Cawayan, San Fernando town.

Troops figured in a firefight with an undetermined number of NPA rebels in the area, leading to the death of a rebel and the seizure of three shotguns.

At about 9:30 a.m. on the same day, Eastmincom said troops of the 3rd Special Forces Battalion also encountered an undetermined number of rebels in Barangay Mabuhay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

The brief encounter led to the death of Cpl. Ambert C. Maramag.

Also on March 2, the Eastmincom said troops of the 30th Infantry Battalion engaged the NPA in a two-minute firefight in Sitio Katikoyan, Barangay Camam-onan, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte.

Eastmincom said the rebels scampered to different directions, leaving a bandoleer containing AK47 ammunition, a piece of anti-personnel mine, a hundred meters of detonation wire, a Motorola HH radio, and other belongings.

A day earlier, on March 1, troops of the 4th Scout Ranger Battalion also encountered NPA rebels in Barangay San Roque, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur.

Eastmincom said the firefight lasted about 15 minutes with no casualty reported on both sides.

Lt. Gen. Felimon T. Santos Jr., Eastmincom commander, attributed the foiled NPA attacks to the cooperation of residents in the areas.

"The foiling of the evil plan of the CNTG (Communist New People's Army Terrorist Group) is brought about by the information from the communities. The CNTGs are losing space to hide and run," Santos said.

"The NPAs should read the message that they are not welcome in the communities. Instead of continuously joining the armed group in futility, they should lay down their arms and join the mainstream. Our doors are open and willing to assist in their surrender," he added. (PNA)