GOVERNMENT forces overran a camp of the communist New People’s Army following a firefight with the insurgents in Sipalay town, Negros Occidental on Tuesday, the military reported yesterday.
Troops from the Army’s 15th Infantry Battalion, under Lt. Col. Erwin Cariño, assaulted the rebel camp in Sitio Calagmakan in Barangay Camindangan based on information provided by civilians.
After a 15-minute firefight, 20 rebels belonging to the NPA’s Platoon 2, Sentro de Grabidad of the Southwest Front withdrew from their camp which can accommodate some 60 people.
The military said the rebel group suffered an undetermined number of casualties based on bloodstains on their position.
Recovered at the camp were an improvised explosive device, a generator set, documents and teach-in materials, binoculars, blood pressure apparatus, a map of the province, printer and other office supplies, gasoline, electrical wires, foodstuff, cooking utensils and personal belongings.
Cariño said pursuit operations are ongoing.
“We will continue to conduct focused military operations, and with the support of the locals.
More NPA lairs are expected to be seized and cleared in the coming days,” Cariño also said.
Col. Noel Baluyan, 302nd Brigade commander, thanked the civilians who provided information, leading to the fall of the rebel camp.
“This manifests their awareness on how we can attain and sustain peace through collaborative efforts. Their vigilance coupled with the dedication of our soldiers in putting the local communist armed conflict to its end will be an edge to our mission,” said Baluyan.
“Nevertheless, we will continue to pursue our tasks to counter the enemies while ensuring safety and security during this health crisis,” he added.
