The encounter, which lasted for almost one hour, resulted in the recovery at the site of one anti-personnel mine, nine backpacks, six hammocks, two stoves, four flashlights, three jungle bolos, two kilograms of tobacco, six kilograms of meat, one sack of rice, 150 meters of electrical wire, one binocular, five liters gasoline; one container fertilizer, medical supplies, subversive documents, assorted food supplies and personal belongings.

“Most of the recoveries were materials used in making anti-personnel mines. These are proofs of New People's Army (NPA) continued use of landmines which is a clear violation of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL),” Durotan said, pointing out that the purpose of anti-personnel mines is to indiscriminately destroy lives including those innocent civilians.

Sison said that the people in the community are complaining about the NPA terrorists who were extorting money and food supplies, and are using threat and violence to force the people to give in to their demand.

He also instructed the troops to ensure the safety and security of the populace in the area following the encounter.

Sison, however, urged anew the NPA terrorists to lay down their arms peacefully and abandon the armed struggle to be with their family and community as he assured them that their human rights will be respected. (PIA6/With report and photos from CMO-301^st Bde/Philippine Army)