CPP-NPA Terrorist Dies in Bukidnon Clash

A combatant of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) under Section Committee 89 of North Central Mindanao Regional Committee was killed in a gunfight with elements of Bukidnon Provincial Mobile Force Company on Wednesday, August 8, around 9:35 a.m at the outskirts of Impasugong, Bukidnon.

The clash ensued after the 403rd Infantry Brigade (403Bde) and Bukidnon Police Provincial Office launched a joint Focused Military Operations in the area.

The firefight lasted for about five minutes resulting to the death of a male CPP-NPA rebel fighter; the recovery of one improvised rifle; and wounding of several rebels with the bloodstains seen by troops in the battleground.

The identity of CPP-NPA rebel who died during the clash is yet to be determined.

The focused operation was launched based on the residents’ repeated reports and complaints about the presence of armed men who blatantly extorted farmers. The residents’ reports said that while having extortion activities, they (CPP-NPA terrorists) also conduct lectures to radicalize the ‘Lumad’ and the younger generation in the community.

Meanwhile, at around 12:00 noon, Wednesday, 8 August 2018, another armed clash erupted between elements of the 1st Special Forces Battalion, who are also taking part in the focused military operations of the 403Bde, and a group of CNTs near the vicinity.

The clash, which ensued for about 10 minutes, resulted to the wounding of one soldier and undetermined number of CNTs.

The wounded soldier was rushed to Camp Evangelista Station Hospital and is now regaining health.

With the declaration of Bukidnon province as Conflict-Manageable and Ready for Further Development, the 403Bde and Bukidnon Police Provincial Office continue to perform its mandate of securing communities from all forms of threat in order to keep the CPP-NPA terrorists ‘off-balanced’ and frail in launching attacks against civilians, vital economic installations, government flagship projects, and other civilian properties.

“We will be relentless in our conduct of Focused Military Operations and other Internal Security Operations in collaboration with PNP counterparts in Bukidnon, if only to ensure that our communities will be protected from threats posed by criminals and terrorits’ organizations such as the CPP-NPA.

We mourn the loss of another life in the recent battle. We offer our sincere condolences to the bereaved family of the CNT who died during clash. This could not have happened if they heeded our continued call for them to go down, surrender, and embrace peace,” said Brig Gen Eric C Vinoya, AFP, 403Bde Commander. (Capt. Norman M. Tagros, CMO Officer, 403rd Inf Bde, 4ID, PA/PIA Bukidnon)