THREE soldiers, including an officer were killed in a gunbattle with suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Baco, Oriental Mindoro on Tuesday.
The skirmish also forced hundreds of native Mangyan families to flee their homes.
Baco Mayor Allan Roldan said around 1,000 families from barangays Lantuyang, San Ignacio, Bayanan, and Bangkatan have left their mountain homes for the lowlands and are now under the care of the local government.
Reports had it that troops from the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division engaged about 15 rebels in Sitio Bituin, Barangay Lantuyang, following hot pursuit operations after an Aug. 9 encounter in the same area where the military recovered war materials abandoned by the insurgents.
Three other soldiers were wounded and airlifted to V. Luna Hospital in Quezon City. Casualties on the rebels’ side remained undetermined.
Maj. Gen. Ramon Zagala, acting commander of the Army’s 2nd Infantry “Jungle Fighter” Division, expressed deep sorrow over the military’s loss while also honoring the troops’ ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
“They gave their lives serving the people, keeping our communities safe, and working for peace in Southern Tagalog. Their courage and sacrifice will always be remembered,” Zagala said in a statement.
“This tragedy is heavy for all of us, but it only strengthens our resolve. The CPP-NPA continues to threaten lives, exploit civilians, and stand in the way of the progress our people deserve. We will not let them succeed. We remain determined to bring lasting peace to Mindoro and end this decades-long insurgency,” he added.
Last Thursday, two suspected NPA members were also killed after clashing with the military in Barangay Happy Valley, Roxas, Oriental Mindoro.
