CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) captured a high-powered firearm after an encounter with the communist terrorist New People's Army (NPA) in Masbate on April 18.
Operating troops from Philippine Army's 2nd Infantry Battalion (2IB), while conducting combat operations, encountered more or less 15 NPAs at the boundary of Sitio Buntod, Brgy. Buenasuerte and Brgy. Lampuyang both of Pio V. Corpuz, Masbate.
An M16 rifle was seized from the NPAs after an intense firefight that lasted for about 30 minutes. No casualties were reported from the government forces and the fleeing enemies.
The 2IB troops continued to scour the encounter site and pursue the evading enemies
The AFP assured the Filipino people that there is no let-up in its operations against the communist terrorist group until the last NPA has been neutralized or surrendered and the local communist armed conflict in the country ends.
