Suspected NPA rebel killed in Bukidnon

An alleged member of the New People’s Army died in an encounter against troops at Brgy Lacolac, Baungon, Bukidnon over the weekend.

A tip from a concerned citizen tells that presence of the NPA are felt in the vicinity of Brgy Lacolac, prompting 65th Infantry Battalion (65IB) to launch its operations.

Government troops were in Purok1 of the barangay when they encountered Guerilla Front Committee 68 (GF68) of North Central Mindanao Regional Command. Firefight lasted for about 40 minutes.

Troops recovered one dead body and his M16 rifle in the encounter site. The cadaver was already turned-over to PNP Baungon for proper disposition and identification.

“It is very unfortunate that we lost another Filipino life when an NPA terrorist died during an encounter with the troops of 65th Infantry Battalion. This could not have happened if the leaders of said terrorist organization did not deceive and offer lies to our poor farmers and Lumads, which forced

Pilipina para sa Reporma at them to take up arms against the government.” Brigadier General Eric Vinoya said.

The government offers the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) to NPA members who want to abandon the armed struggle.

“The 4th Infantry Division is willing to help NPA terrorists who wish to surrender. We will assist them in processing for the ECLIP. I am sure many of them wanted to go home to their families and love ones; many of them are tired of their life in the armed movement; and many of them want to experience a life away from chaos, hunger and fear of losing their lives in an encounter with our troops. I call on the remaining NPA terrorists not to waste your time in the failed armed revolution, these are the times that should be spent happily with your families and love ones.” Major General Ronald Villanueva, Commander of Army’s 4th Infantry Division said.