An unidentified body of a female member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was recovered by government security forces at the encounter site in Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte on March 16.
SecurityMatters sources said the troops, composed of the 29th Infantry Battalion’s Alpha Company led by 1st Lieutenant Barrios, the Scout Platoon led 1st Lieutenant Gaston, and the 132nd Regional Public Safety Company led by Police Inspector Johncel Barrameda under 13th Regional Public Safety Battalion, encountered a group of NPA rebels believed to be members of the Guerilla Front 16 of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee in the hinterlands of Barangay Hinimbangan at around 8:20 a.m., Monday.
According to sources, the rebels indiscriminately opened fire at the soldiers but the troops were able to counter the attack. A firefight ensued and lasted for about 20 minutes. The bandits withdrew toward the Alegria area, leaving behind their dead companion.
Recovered from the encounter site were one M203 grenade launcher, three M16 rifles, two AK 47 assault rifles, undetonated Improvised Explosive Devices, blasting caps, bandolier with magazines, backpacks, and subversive documents with high intelligence value.
Adjacent police stations, military patrol bases and police/military operating units have been alerted and directed to intensify intelligence monitoring of the communist rebels considering that the NPA’s 47th founding anniversary is approaching.
