Military seizes 2 NPA camps in Mindanao

Two hideouts being prepared as venues for the Communist Party of the Philippines’ (CPPs) 50th anniversary celebration in Mindanao, were uncovered and seized by Philppine Army Scout Rangers following a series of encounters with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels late last week.

In a statement, the Army's 403rd Infantry Brigade disclosed that the lairs are located in an uninhabited mountainous area bordering Bukidnon and Agusan del Sur.

On December 12, 2018, Army Scout Rangers encountered around 40 fullyarmed NPA rebels working on a 20 x 300 meters hideout which can accommodate around 120 persons for a gathering.

The 403rd IB said its makeshift facilities strongly indicate that it is being prepared as a venue for a huge gathering of persons.

In particular, the makeshift facility has a multi-purpose hall, two kitchens and one water reservoir.

Recovered from the supposed CPPNPA hideout were a mobile phone, one generator set, electrical wires, and several personal belongings.

On December 13, 2018, the military encountered the same NPA terrorists, a few kilometers from the first gunfight.

A bigger NPA hideout with an approximate dimension of 40 x 200 meters was discovered and seized.

The hideout is configured as billeting area for approximately 100 persons with huts and improvised beds.

In addition, the government troops also recovered a rifle grenade, 10 rounds cal.22 mm ammunition, two rounds cal5.56 mm ammunition, 150 rounds machinegun ammunition, electrical wires, explosive detonating cords, explosive blasting caps, one explosive switch, medical kits, backpacks with personal belongings, and CPP-NPANDF documents.