The first encounter transpired early dawn of June 17, 2017 along Sitio KM 35, Taytayan, Cateel. Davao Oriental when troops of 67th Infantry Battalion, while responding to a report of NPA presence in the area, was fired upon leading to a firefight.
The NPAs fled after an hour long firefight leaving three of their dead members and five high powered firearms which includes two M16 rifle one AK47 rifle, one M203, one M14 rifle and two IED.
The three cadavers which was turned over to the Local Government of Cateel have not yet been identified neither claimed by their relatives as of this report.
Noon of June 17, 2017 troops of 66IB acting on the report of NPA presence in Araibo, Pantukan, Compostela Valley encountered the group of @ Lepi a known leader of NPAs being monitored in the area.
The firefight led to the death of @Lepi and an unidentified NPA member and the recovery of a cal. 45 pistol. Two soldiers were reported to have been wounded during the said encounter which accordingly are in stable condition now.
In a separate incident troops of 28th Infantry Battalion while conducting security operations encountered another group of NPA 6:30 in the morning of May 18, 2017 at Sitio Sayon, Brgy Kauswagan, Banaybanay, DOR .
The firefight which lasted for 45 minutes led to the recovery of the following items: one M16 rifle, one AK 47 rifle numerous various ammunition, one rifle grenade, improvised explosive device paraphernalia, hammocks, rubber boots, radio sets, subersive documents and personal belongings.
The Eastern Mindanao Command commended the troops under 701 bde for these recent tactical accomplishments and directed all units to intensify the conduct of security operations and directed to intensify security operations following the complaints from the communities of the coercion and intimidation being done by the NPAs.
"Our mandate is to bring peace to our communities and while we are busy implementing Community Support Program in the different communites facilitating the delivery of social services we have to prevent the communist terrorist from conducting terroristic activities against our people.
