Philippine Army’s 36th Infantry Battalion civil military operation officer 2nd Lieutenant Shirly Fatima Lim said that their troops were able to respond to the information given by the residents of said barangay about the planned extortion activities of the group.
The encounter led to a running gun battle between the government troops and some 10 armed men that resulted in the death of two suspected rebels and the recovery of an M16 rifle and a caliber 45 pistol.
The bodies of the NPA fighters were brought to Madrid District Hospital for proper verification and disposition.
Lieutenant Colonel Michael Rey S. Reuyan, Commanding Officer of 36th IB vowed to continue their pursuit operations against communist NPA terrorists (CNTs) to pre-empt their extorsion activity and terroristic acts.
He said the encounter will serve as an eye-opener to the remaining CNTs who still refuse to surrender.
“End the Armed conflict, return to your families, surrender yourself, and take control of your life,” Reuyan said.
Photos from 37th IB