CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) seized two high-powered firearms and other war materiel after an encounter with the communist terrorist New People's Army (NPA) in Oriental Mindoro on Sunday, April 17.
Operating troops from Philippine Army's 76th Infantry Battalion (76IB) acted on a report from concerned civilians that armed men were threatening the residents at their farms when they encountered more or less eight CNTs at Sitio Pitong Gatang, Brgy. Manguyang in Gloria, Oriental Mindoro. The firefight lasted for about ten minutes, after which the enemy scampered in different directions.
No reported casualties from both sides, but the soldiers seized two M16 rifles with two magazines, eight cellphones, six flash drives, five anti-personnel mines; handheld radio; and subversive documents at the encounter site.
76IB continues on pursuit operation to run after the evading terrorist to ensure the safety of the people in the area.
AFP Chief of Staff General Andres C Centino has directed all units nationwide to step-up security operations against the communist terrorist group (CTG) and local terrorist groups (LTGs) to prevent them from spoiling the incoming national and local election in May.
"The national and local elections are fast approaching; rest assured that the AFP, in collaboration with the PNP and PCG, is doing its best to ensure that our people can exercise their right to vote for their leaders without fear and intimidation," Gen. Centino said.
