Army Overruns NPA Camp in Agusan Del Norte

The 29th Infantry Battalion, 402nd Brigade, Philippine Army overran another New People’s Army (NPA) camp after the government forces encountered an undetermined number of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP-NPA) Terrorists (CNTs) under Sangay sa Partido Pamproganda (SPP)16A, Guerilla Front Committee 16, Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee in Sitio Cogon-Cogon, Brgy Tagmamarkay, Tubay, Agusan del Norte on July 26, 2018, at around 2:20 in the afternoon.

The firefight ensued, while the troops were conducting Focused Military Operations (FMO), as a response to the reports provided by the residents of the NPAs’ presence extorting in their locality. The skirmish, which lasted for about 20 minutes, resulted to the capture of the terrorist’s camp, the recovery of one high powered firearm AK-47 loaded with 30 rounds of live ammunitions, one improvised explosive device (landmine), 100 meters trip wire, one backpack and personal belongings.

On the other hand, no casualty or loss was incurred by the government forces. But heavy blood stains were seen on the captured enemy camp indicating of the enemy’s large casualties. Moreover, additional troops were sent to pursue the remaining NPA terrorists.

The successful combat operation was a result of the local community’s support to get rid of lawless elements from their community. BGen. Franco Nemesio Gacal, commander of the 402nd Brigade, lauded the troops for the successful conduct of this military operation.

“Our operations against the NPA terrorists will be relentless. We will pursue them right at the heart of their guerrilla bases,” BGen. Gacal said.

“The communities are already expressing their sentiments against the continued presence of the NPA terrorists as this terrorist group has only brought misery and suffering in their locality,” he added. (Cpt Al Anthony B Pueblas, CMO Officer 402Bde/PIA-Agusan del Norte)