4ID Scores Six Firearms and IED Against NPA Bandits in Agusan Clash

A 25 minute firefight ensued after troops responded to a report of NPA presence who are conducting extortion activities from the said barangay.Ltc Rommel Pagayon, 26IB Commanding Officer ordered his troops to pursue the escaping NPAs after they've cleared the whole encounter area. Troops recovered the following items: Two (2) AK 47 rifles, One (1) 9mm sub-machine gun, One (1) M14 rifle, One (1) M16 with attached M203 grenade launcher, One (1) Improvised M16 rifle, One (1) Improvised Explosive Device, 495 pcs of live ammo for Ak47, NPA personal belongings, and subversive documents."

Ltc Pagayon said "As promised to our people, we will respond immediately if anyone needs our help. Thanks to your full trust and untiring support to your Army. As to the beleaguered NPAs, there are still options if you wish to go back to your normal lives. Aside from all the opportunities such as livelihood programs offered by our government, the AFP is also opening its door to all of you who wanted to serve in the noble profession of arms. We ask you to reflect and finally come to your decision to abandon the armed struggle."

MGen Ronald Villanueva, 4ID Commander lauded the troops and assures everyone of its commitment to address the threats that are hindrance to peace and development. He said, "I would like to congratulate my troops who successfully addressed the threat situation in that peaceful community. This I assure everyone that your Army will take all necessary actions that will fully address this more than four decade insurgency situation that hinders our Country's development. Sooner or later if we continue to work together, this insurgency situation will just perish naturally and every plans and programs of our government for our people will all be realized. Everyone will be benefitted."