THE NEW People’s Army (NPA) operating in Surigao del Sur suffered a major setback after losing 10 high-powered firearms in an hour-long encounter with the Philippine Army on Sept. 7.
The clash occurred in Sitio Nalindog, Barangay Bolhoon, San Miguel.
According to Major Alvin Nangkil, the Civil-Military Operation (CMO) officer of the 401st Infantry Brigade, the recovered firearms included five M16 rifles, an M203 grenade launcher, a Bushmaster rifle, and three AK-47 rifles.
Additionally, six unexploded Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), ammunition, backpacks, supplies, and subversive documents were seized.
The encounter involved troops from the 75th Infantry Battalion of the 401st Infantry Brigade, under the command of Brigadier General Francisco F. Lorenzo Jr.
Accordingly, the operation was launched in response to reports that the NPA was extorting money from local farmers and traders.
With the aid of close air support, the government troops successfully overran the NPA camp, forcing the rebels to retreat, likely with casualties.
Following the clash, the 401st Brigade conducted psychosocial activities to support residents of the affected barangays.
The military emphasized that the operation’s success was due to timely information provided by civilians.
Brigadier General Lorenzo also called on remaining NPA members to surrender and take advantage of the government’s amnesty and reintegration programs.
“We thank the populace for their courage in reporting the presence of the CNTs in the area,” BGen Lorenzo said. “Rest assured that our troops are always ready to respond to protect our communities from CTG harm.”
Photos courtesy of 401st IB
