NPA HIDEOUT. A rebel lair is overrun by government troops following a 45-minute clash with the communist New People’s Army Wednesday (June 3) in the hinterlands of Sitio Campo Langit, Barangay Camp Edward, Alegria, Surigao del Norte. Government troops seized high-power firearms, ammunition, subversive documents, and other pieces of evidence from the area, the military says. (Photo courtesy of 30IB)
BUTUAN CITY – A 45-minute gun battle between government troops and communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels resulted in the capture of the rebels’ lair in the hinterlands of Surigao del Norte Wednesday.
In a statement Thursday, the Army's 30th Infantry Battalion said the rebels' hideout in Barangay Camp Edward, Alegria town, yielded high-power firearms, ammunition, communications equipment, subversive documents with high intelligence value, and other pieces of evidence.
“This is the second time the 30th IB troopers engaged the CTGs (Communist Terrorist Groups) this month. The first encounter took place last June 1 in Barangay Biyadid, Sison, Surigao del Norte where one APM was recovered,” the statement said.
The military operation came after the military received complaints of NPA extortion activities the village, 30IB said, adding the rebels belong to Guerilla Front 16 of the NPA's North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).
No one was hurt on the government side, the Army said, adding bloodstains were found in the abandoned lair of the NPA and on their escape route.
In the same statement, the Army quoted Alegria Mayor Rene Esma as saying: “The dedication of our soldiers on the face of this coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic is commendable. It clearly attests to the seriousness of our government forces in ending local communist armed conflict.”
Esma also condemned the continued extortion activities of the NPA by taking advantage of the Covid-19 crisis and for "sowing fear and disorder" in the communities.
Lt. Col. Ryan Charles Callanta, 30IB commander, thanked the communities for their continuing support to the Army and the government.
“The overwhelming support of the populace who are already fed up with the rebels’ assaults and atrocities provided our security forces timely information leading to a successful operation that brings us one step closer to peace and prosperity,” Callanta said.
He said the 30IB personnel are still conducting pursuit operations in the area. (PNA)
