BUTUAN CITY – Government troops recovered high-powered firearms, landmines, and communication
equipment following a 40-minute gunfight with communist rebels Sunday afternoon in Bitangon, Barangay Aliwagwag, Cateel, Davao Oriental.
1st Lt. Jei-em B. Tagufa of the Army’s 67 Infantry Battallion said troops under 1st Lt. Al Bryan L. Villanueva seized three AK47 assault rifles, two M16 Armalite rifles, an upper receiver of M16 rifle, four landmines, assorted live ammunitions, two mobile phones, assorted medicines and backpacks containing personal belongings, and alleged subversive documents.
There were no report of casualties from both sides, according to Tagufa.
Villanueva said they are still pursuing the fleeing rebels with the assistance of additional troops.
Lt. Col. Jacob Thaddeus M. Obligado, commanding officer of the 67th IB, commended his troops for a job well-done.
“We will continue with our focused military operations to ensure the safety of the populace,” he said.
“The 67th IB as your partners of peace and development will remain steadfast in the performance of our duty with the support of the provincial government of Davao Oriental and we will maintain zero NPA Initiated Violent Incidents (NIVIs) and zero recruitment in our whole area of responsibility,” he said. (Mike Crismundo)