Suspected NPA member killed in Oriental Mindoro clash —military

A suspected member of the New People's Army was killed in an armed encounter with combined forces of the military and police in Oriental Mindoro on Friday.

According to the military, authorities were able to recover a cal .45 pistol, ammunition, magazines for firearms, improvised explosive devices, and enemy documents.

“This successful military operation is among the many indicators that the NPA terrorists are no longer welcome in the region," 203rd Brigade Commander Brigadier General Antonio Lastimado said in a statement.

The military tracked and engaged the NPA's Main Regional Guerrilla Unit in a 15-minute clash at Barangay Happy Valley in Socorro town.

Lieutenant Colonel Mario Lito Retirva, the commanding officer of the 761B, said that the troops "immediately responded after receiving information from disgruntled citizens about the presence of NPA extortionists in the area."

Retirva added that this was the group's second encounter in a week with the first being in Bulalacao where an NPA leader was killed in a five-minute gunfight.

"[Our troops] are exerting our best to put an end to terroristic activities in Mindoro and that we will continue to be active partners of the LGUs and the people,” Lastimado said.

Meanwhile, Major General Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr., the commander of the Philippine Army's 2nd Infantry Division, called on remaining NPA terrorists to surrender.

"I am asking the few remaining NPA terrorists to lay down your arms, live peacefully with your families, avail grants of the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program and be part of the solution," Burgos said.

While expressing his condolences to the family of the slain terrorist, Burgos hoped that the "unfortunate fate shall serve as a notice that the soldiers will never hesitate to use our full might and resources" against individuals who intend to harm innocent people.

According to the statement, joint checkpoints have been established in the area while military assets have been placed on high alert. — MDM, GMA News