Government forces clashed with remnants of the New People’s Army in a series of armed encounters in Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro, on Thursday, Jan. 1, underscoring the continued presence of armed groups despite ongoing peace efforts.
Troops from the 76th Infantry Battalion, 1st Infantry Battalion, 59th Infantry Battalion, and the 5th Scout Ranger Battalion figured in three successive encounters with NPA elements at Sitio Mamara in Barangay Cabacao. The armed group was identified as remnants of the dismantled Komiteng Larangang Gerilya–Island Committee Mindoro under the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee.
According to military reports, one government soldier was wounded during one of the clashes. Possible casualties on the side of the New People’s Army remain subject to verification.
Col. Michael Aquino, spokesperson of the 2nd Infantry Division and chief of its public affairs office, said the encounters took place despite an earlier holiday ceasefire declaration by the Communist Party of the Philippines.
“These incidents show that even with public ceasefire declarations, some armed elements remain active and continue to pose threats to communities,” Aquino said.
He added that security operations are ongoing to prevent the regrouping of NPA elements and to ensure the safety of residents in the area. Civilians were urged to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious movements to authorities.
The 2nd Infantry Division said it remains committed to sustaining peace and security operations in coordination with local government units, law enforcement agencies, and communities to maintain stability in Occidental Mindoro.
