By Zen Trinidad | Philippine News Agency
A female member of the New People’s Army (NPA) died in an encounter with troops from the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division (2ID) in Roxas, Oriental Mindoro on Wednesday.
On Thursday, a military statement disclosed that soldiers of the 4th Infantry Battalion (4IB) under the 2ID found the band of terrorists in Sitio Tinisan, Barangay San Vicente after receiving information from residents on the presence of five armed men.
A firefight ensued, leaving one NPA member dead. Two M16 rifles and assorted war materiel were also confiscated at the encounter site.
The identity of the fatality is still being determined.
A soldier was also reported hurt but in stable condition after being given medical treatment.
Lt. Col. Erwin Glenn Romero, the 4IB’s commanding officer, said there were traces of blood seen at the encounter site, suggesting that other rebels may have been wounded.
Maj. Gen. Cerilo Balaoro Jr., commander of the 2ID, attributed the success of the operation to residents who kept on reporting the whereabouts of armed individuals.
“Your continued support is significant in achieving our dream of a lasting peace, security, and development in Oriental Mindoro,” he said in a statement as he extended his gratitude to the residents of Brgy. San Vicente.
Balaoro also expressed his grief over the death of the NPA member and sympathy with the bereaved family.
He said the latest feat of the 2ID is a clear message to the remaining members of the NPA terrorist group that the government is serious about totally ending the insurgency in Mindoro and the regions of Calabarzon and Mimaropa.