Philippine Army troops recovered substantial war materiel after a 25-minute clash with communist rebels in Oriental Mindoro province over the weekend, military officials reported Tuesday.
Soldiers from the 4th Infantry Battalion, part of the 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division, discovered 14 bunkers, an early warning device and a lecture area during a focused military operation in Sitio Lumboy, Barangay Panaytayan, Mansalay town.
The encounter occurred during a targeted operation against the New People’s Army (NPA), a communist insurgent group that has waged a decades-long rebellion against the Philippine government.
No military personnel were injured in the firefight, though rebel casualties are still being verified.
Troops seized a bandolier, one long M16 magazine, 123 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition and additional personal belongings from the rebel encampment.
Maj. Gen. Cerilo Balaoro Jr., division commander, said the operation would certainly disrupt the rebels’ operational capabilities.
“We are further intensifying our operations to dismantle their remaining strongholds and prevent them from sowing fear and violence in our communities,” he said.
Balaoro renewed calls for remaining NPA members to surrender, noting the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which offers support for rebels who choose to return to civilian life.
The NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, has been fighting the government since 1969, making it one of the world’s longest-running communist insurgencies.
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