NPA camp in Comval falls

by RG Alama

Davao City (21 October) — A New People’s Army (NPA) camp in Laak, Compostela Valley Province fell into the hands of Philippine Army troopers after a 40-minute firefight last Sunday, Oct. 16.

Based on reports submitted by Lt. Col. Edgar Gonzales Commanding Officer of the Army’s 60th Infantry Battalion to Brig. General Rogelio Rosete Commander of the Philippine Army’s 401st Infantry Brigade. Army troops of the 41st Division Reconnaissance Company led by Lt. Dranreb Canto assaulted the NPA camp that resulted in an encounter with more or less 30 NPA guerillas belonging to the Front Committee 3 of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee of the CPP/NPA.

The clash lasted for about 40 minutes, Due to superior firepower the Army was able to capture the enemy camp and recovered two claymore mines with electrical wires. NPA guerillas retreated after the battle toward the direction of Loreto Agusan del Sur.

No casualty was reported on the Government side, while the NPA’s were reported to have suffered an undetermined number of slain and wounded in the battle.

The enemy camp that can accommodate about 60 NPA guerillas is located at the vicinity of Kilometer 33, Barangay Laak, Compostela Valley Province.

Brig Gen. Rosete meanwhile ordered Lt. Col Gonzales of the 60th Infantry Battalion to further intensify pursuit operations against the NPAs operating in the Battalion’s area of responsibility.

However Brig. General Rosete reminded the Army to relay to the NPAs that despite the clashes, the Government remains open to peaceful negotiations for their peaceful return to the fold of the law. (PIA Davcomval/401st Inf. Bde, 4ID, PA)