ILIGAN CITY – The Army’s 44th Infantry Battalion disrupted the New People’s Army (NPA) attack in Barangay Penaranda, Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay, Saturday afternoon.
“The troops were tasked to conduct community visitation and information dissemination to the local populace on the current COVID-19 crisis when armed CNTs fired towards them,” said Lt. Col. Don Templonuevo, commanding officer of the 44th Infantry Battalion.
The12-minute firefight incurred no casualties on the government side.
The soldiers recovered an improvised explosive device, subversive documents; and backpacks with personal belongings, assorted food, and medical supplies.
Just recently, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte appealed to the communists group for a ceasefire as the government focuses its efforts in containing the spread of COVID-19 across the country in one of his televised address.
The military’s 102nd Infantry Brigade commander Colonel Leonel Nicolas said the brigade has complied with the president’s order to suspend all military operations on the ground. (Bonita L. Ermac)