Armed encounters between government troops and suspected New People’s Army (NPA) elements erupted on New Year’s Day in a remote village in Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro, highlighting the continued presence of armed remnants in the province despite sustained peace and security efforts.
In a statement on Friday, the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division said troops from the 76th Infantry (Victrix) Battalion, 1st Infantry (Always First) Battalion, 59th Infantry (Protector) Battalion, and the 5th Scout Ranger Battalion figured in three successive encounters with rebels.
Specifically, the soldiers clashed with remnants of the Komiteng Larangang Gerilya–Island Committee Mindoro (KLG-ICM) under the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee.
The clashes took place at Sitio Mamara, Barangay Cabacao, on Thursday, January 1.
According to the report, one government soldier was wounded in one of the encounters.
Possible casualties on the side of the armed group are still being verified as of this writing.
In a statement, Jungle Fighter Division Spokesperson Col. Michael Aquino said the encounters occurred despite the Communist Party of the Philippines’ earlier declaration of a temporary ceasefire for the holiday season.
These incidents show that even with public ceasefire declarations, some armed elements remain active and continue to pose threats to communities,” Aquino said.
He added that security operations are continuing in the area to prevent the regrouping of NPA elements and to ensure the safety of residents. Aquino also urged civilians to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious movements to authorities.
“Public cooperation remains crucial. Information from concerned citizens allows government forces to act swiftly and decisively,” he said.
The 2nd Infantry Division reiterated its commitment to sustaining peace and security operations in coordination with local government units, law enforcement agencies, and local communities to prevent armed groups from regaining a foothold in Occidental Mindoro.
