IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon (PIA)—Troops from the Philippine Army's 2nd Scout Ranger and 8th Infantry (Dependable) battalions seized two high-powered firearms following an encounter with the New People’s Army (NPA) in the hinterlands of Sitio Nahawan, Busdi village in Malaybalay, January 16.

LtCol Anthony Bacus, commander of the army’s 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB), said the government troops intensified its focused operations in the area after receiving reports from residents about CPP-NPA rebels’ presence who ask for food and inflicting fear in the neighborhood.

After a 15-minute gunfight, he said, the soldiers overrun the NPA’s temporary hideout and seized an M16 A1 rifle and one modified R4. They also found eight backpacks; eight ponchos; four sacks of rice; and three backpacks of noodles and canned sardines.

“Nagpasalamat kami sa mga nagpakabanang katawhan tungod kay ang ilang gihatag nga impormasyon mi-resulta sa malampuson natong pagpakgang sa dautang gimbuhaton sa mga teroristang NPA. Kini nagpamatuod nga wala nay sibilyan nga nagasuporta kanila. (We thank the concerned residents because their reports resulted in successfully preventing the atrocities of the CPP-NPA terrorist groups. This proves that they [NPAs] have no mass supporters anymore),” Bacus said.

He said the Philippine Army continuously conducts focused operations to achieve sustainable development and lasting peace.

With this, the 8IB commander urged the remaining NPA rebels to surrender and avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and live a peaceful life with their families. (8IB, 4ID, PA/PIA-10/Bukidnon)