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1 NPA
dead in Davao clash, bomb paraphernalia recovered
Camp Apolinario, Panacan, Davao City - A New People's Army (NPA) fighter
was killed in a clash with government troops in the village of San
Isidro in Lupon town in Davao Oriental 5:30 PM Friday.
Troops of 28th Infantry Battalion (28IB) were on pursuit operations
against NPAs who attacked a road project in nearby Banay-Banay town more
than a week ago when they caught up with the perpetrators and an hour
gun battle ensued leading to the death of the still unidentified bandit
while government troops suffered no casualty.
Authorities said the group of about 30 bandits were led by Jery Gesta
alias Kagaw, leader of Sandatahang Yunit Propaganda, Local Terrorist
Front-18 of the NPA in southern Mindanao.
Soldiers recovered an M16 rifle in the possession of the dead bandit
following the clash together with 20 blasting caps, two firing device
for Improvised Explosive Device (IED), electronics and communications
equipment, two hand grenades, three rifle grenades, assorted ammunitions
and subversive documents.
"We recognize the help of residents who voluntarily informed our troops
of the whereabouts of the bandits. They were not happy about the
destruction which the NPA is carrying out against the people. Our troops
are still on hot pursuit." Said Lt. Col. Ferdinand Budeng, commander of
28IB.
"We believe the NPAs suffered many casualties but they were able to
bring them along as they fled from the battle." Added Budeng.
Maj. Gen. Carlos Holganza, commander of the Army's 10th Infantry
Division said, "The series of clashes is still part of the relentless
pursuit and law enforcement operations to bring criminals behind bars.
There will be no let-up in our operations to bring these bandits to
justice. The attacks they were doing are attacks against development and
against our citizens."
"The recovery of 20 blasting caps shows the real intent and motive of
the CPP-NPA-NDF as an anti-development, anti-progress and anti-people
organization that continue to sow fear and panic among the people by
means of bloodshed and destruction in using IEDs." Holganza concluded.
A few days ago two NPAs were killed when troops of 69th Infantry
Battalion on pursuit operation clashed with terrorists and recovered an
M16 rifle, an IED, a Night Vision Goggles and a binocular in Davao City.
In adjacent Compostela Valley (ComVal) province, soldiers are on hot
pursuit against NPAs who murdered five individuals and wounded a dozen
others in a massacre in Maragusan town. A continuing rescue operation is
also underway against NPAs who kidnapped four unarmed government troops
attending a birthday party of a three year-old son of one of the victims
in Mawab town.
A town mayor in Surigao del Sur province was also kidnapped by NPAs in
the boundary of Agusan del Sur and ComVal provinces last month and
reportedly demanded P3M in ransom before he was released two weeks ago.
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