CAMP CAPINPIN, Rizal - Several war materiel were recovered by the Army’s 2nd Infantry “Jungle Fighter” Division (2ID) following an encounter between soldiers and members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Labo, Camarines Norte, Saturday, September 21.
Troops belonging to the 16th Infantry “Maglilingkod” Battalion (16IB) were conducting security operations at Barangay Anameam when they were fired upon by the remnants of KLG 1 from the Bicol Regional Party Committee (BRPC).
This resulted in a 10-minute firefight.
No casualty was reported on the military’s side while casualties on the rebels’ side are still being verified.
Among the items recovered by the soldiers included an M16 rifle, 5 bandoliers, 7 magazines, 475 ammunition cartridges, an Anti-Personnel Mine (APM), 50 meters commercial wire, 3 rolls of rope, a medical kit, and 4 shirts with PKP MLM 55th Anniversary print, a jungle pack, 2 backpacks with personal belongings.
In a statement, 2ID Commander Brig. Gen. Cerilo Balaoro Jr emphasized that the operation successfully disrupted the terror plans of the NPA and helped ensure the safety of the local communities.
He also called on the remaining NPA members to surrender and return to the folds of the law, emphasizing that the government is ready to assist its Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) to help them start anew.
The seized war materiel will be turned over to the appropriate authorities for proper disposition, while military operations continue in the area to pursue the fleeing rebels.