Two suspected communist terrorists from a 10-man heavily armed rebel band were killed after government forces caught up with them extorting from residents in a remote village in Sarangani Province Wednesday morning, the military said Thursday.
The battle occurred barely hours after terrorists ambushed and killed a policeman and wounded five police officers including two police officials in Bukidnon.
A military report said the firefight took place in Brgy Kinam, Malapatan between 10 members of the Weakened Guerilla Front TALA, Far South Mindanao Region, early morning Wednesday.
It said troops from the 73rd Battalion, acting on the reported presence of terrorists in Kinam village, immediately went to the area to flush out the rebels.
As government forces were moving to their objective, the troops were met by gunfire, prompting them to reposition themselves.
The reports said the gunfight lasted for more than an hour after which the terrorists withdrew towards a forested portion of Kinam village.
An augmentation team from the 73rd Infantry Battalion led by 1st Lt. Jessie Hinampas, quickly formed a Quick Reaction group together with the Office of Municipal Mayor Salway Sumbo in providing assistance to the family of the killed terrorist.
“I commend the engaged troops and the people of Malapatan, Sarangani for their continued efforts in flushing out the communist terrorists from the community. The success of military operations can be attributed to the efforts of the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in the province and municipality,” said Lt. Col. Ronaldo G Valdez, commander of the 73rd Infantry Battalion.
Valdez said the troops would be relentless in the offensive against the terrorists to protect the populace from harassment and extortion.
“The Army will continue its offensive against the terrorist NPAs. I also encourage the people to continuously support the government by reporting NPA movement and activities in their communities,” Valdez added.