[Sun Star] Philippine troops launched Sunday a pursuit operation against suspected members of the New People's Army (NPA) they encountered in Barangay Dagohoy, Talaingod, Davao del Norte."We are tracking these rebels with the help of the community. Information is coming from them. We will continue to pursue them in their lairs and ensure the protection and security for the people and of the communities," Eastmincom commander Lieutenant General Aurelio Baladad said.
Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) spokesperson Major Ezra Balagtey said troops were on patrol when they encountered a number of insurgents around 3 p.m. Saturday. After around 20 minutes the NPA militants withdrew and scampered to different areas. Balagtey said that the troops recovered landmine paraphernalia, medical kits and subversive documents.
In a separate incident, troops encountered retreating NPA militants in Barangay Andap, Laak town in Compostela Valley on Friday morning following a previous encounter in nearby Barangay Kiokmay, where the gun battle lasted for about 30 minutes.
Balagtey said, "Fortunately, there were no casualty from the government side and the communist rebels side as well, despite the series of encounter. The government still encouraged the NPA rebels lay down their firearms and return to the folds of the law."