Army soldiers have recovered ammunitions and subversive materials following an encounter with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro, Saturday, Mar. 1.
According to reports by the 203rd Infantry Brigade, the troops belonging to the 4th Infantry Battalion were conducting military operations at Sitio Lumboy in Barangay Panaytayan when they encountered the NPA insurgents.
This resulted in a 25-minute firefight before the enemies fled. No one was reported injured on the government side while enemy casualties were still being verified.
A total of 14 bunkers, an early warning device, and the NPA terrorists’ lecture area were discovered at the battle site.
Meanwhile, items recovered by the soldiers included a bandolier, one long M16 magazine, 123 rounds of 5.56mm live ammunition, and personal belongings.
2ID commander Maj. Gen. Cerilo Balaoro Jr., said the successful operation “significantly hinder the NPA’s ability to launch attacks and endanger the safety of the community.”
“We are further intensifying our operations to dismantle their remaining strongholds and prevent them from sowing fear and violence in our communities,” Balaoro said in a statement.
He reiterated his call on the NPA holdouts to abandon their armed struggle, return to society, and take advantage of the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program to rebuild their lives with the help of the government.