THE Army’s 29th Infantry Battalion (29IB) seized weapons and personal belongings following a 10-minute firefight with suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Sitio Pirada, Barangay Del Pilar, the military reported Saturday, April 19.
According to a statement from Lt. Col. Mark S. Tabon, commanding officer of the 29IB, the encounter occurred during a combat operation after the unit received tips from concerned civilians about the presence of communist guerrillas allegedly extorting supplies from miners in the area.
Seized items included one M16 rifle, three serviceable 40mm M203 grenade launcher ammunition rounds, and assorted personal belongings.
Tabon said the troops encountered approximately 10 NPA members believed to belong to Platoon 1, Sub-Regional Sentro de Grabedad, Westland, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee, led by Marjun Navarro, also known as ‘Julia.’
He urged the remaining NPA members in Agusan del Norte to abandon armed struggle and avoid needless casualties.
“We encourage them to take advantage of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program and National Amnesty Program to begin a new life,” Tabon said.
The military continues to monitor the area for rebel activity.
