Two alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed while three high-powered firearms were recovered following a series of armed encounters in Bukidnon, according to the Philippine Army.
The 403rd Infantry “Peacemaker” Brigade said the clashes took place on June 21 during joint focused military operations in the hinterlands of Malaybalay City and Cabanglasan, Bukidnon.
According to the military, government troops first encountered an estimated 10 to 12 armed individuals at Sitio Tagiptip in Barangay Iba, Cabanglasan. The group was identified by the Army as members of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) under Headquarters Force Neo.
The military said the initial firefight lasted about 10 minutes before the armed group retreated to the northeast. Troops later engaged another group of seven to 10 armed individuals from the same unit in a second encounter that lasted about five minutes.
By noon, soldiers figured in a third encounter at Sitio Nalumosan in Barangay Silae, Malaybalay City. The Army said the third firefight also lasted approximately five minutes.
Following the series of clashes, the military reported that two alleged NPA members were killed. They were identified as Romeo Manpinsahan, also known as “Kakoy” or “Yuman,” whom the Army identified as commander of Headquarters Force Neo, and Edward Pantandon, also known as “Wando,” a member of the same unit.
The Army also reported the recovery of three M16 rifles and other war materials from the encounter sites.
Military operations in the area continue as troops pursue the remaining members of the armed group.
The Army said the operations are part of its ongoing campaign against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army and to maintain peace and security in Bukidnon.
