One NPA terrorist slain in MisOcc Clash

By ROCAYA SUMNDAD OTICAL YAHYA

February 18, 2019

Recovered firearm with bloodstain in Aloran encounter. (Tabak photo)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur: One Communist NPA terrorist (CNT) was killed in an encounter with the 10th Infantry Battalion in Brgy San Pedro, Aloran, Misamis Occidental at around 9:40 a.m. Monday, the military said.

Lt. Col. John Andrada, the 10th Infantry Battalion commanding officer, said, “The encounter was the result of the information received by our troops from a concerned civilian who reported the presence of an armed group in their community while we are conducting community security operations.”

The troops scoured the scene of encounter and recovered one AK 47 rifle, three magazines and subversive documents with high intelligence value. 

Blood stains were seen along the CNT’s withdrawal routes believed to be those of wounded members.

Meanwhile, Col. Bagnus Gaerlan, the 102nd Infantry Brigade Commander said, “We already identified their (CNT’s) lairs and they have no place to go. We call on those NPA terrorists to lay down their arms peacefully, be given proper medication and we ensure them that their rights will be respected.”

Prior to encounter which lasted for thirty (30) minutes, residents of said barangay reported to the Army personnel about the presence of lawless armed elements that are trying to recruit the youth to join their movement and are extorting from the populace.

Brigadier General Roberto T Ancan, Commander of the 1st Infantry (TABAK) Division said that the Army together with the local government units, the civil society organizations, other stakeholders and the peace-loving people of Misamis Occidental continue to send upon them (CNT) to listen to the call for peace of the people. 

“Listen to the call of the people, lay down your arms, return to the folds of the law and avail the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP),” added Ancan.

However, he also expressed his sympathy to the family and relatives of the NPA terrorist who was killed.

“It is very tragic that he has taken arms against the people of Misamis Occidental when only through peace can development and social justice be achieved.”

Additional troops are now in the area conducting pursuit operations to run after the fleeing rebels while members of the Philippine National Police Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) conducted investigation in the encounter site. 

Troops of 10IB are also in close communication with the barangay officials to ensure the safety and security of the residents in the area. (Tabak-DPAO/RSP)