By Priam F. Nepomuceno
MANILA, (PNA) — Troopers from the Army’s 30th Infantry Battalion repulsed 20 New People’s Army (NPA) fighters during an encounter in Barangay Alipao, Alegria, Surigao Del Norte Wednesday afternoon.
The 50-minute firefight started around 1:30 p.m.
The troopers were conducting a routine security patrol when the encounter with the rebel force took place.
Allegedly, the NPAs were on another extortion and harassment mission.
Lt. Col. Vincent Iringan, 30th Infantry Battalion commander, said the NPAs were soundly beaten with no loss to the government side.
He added that they also recovered one AK-47 automatic rifle, a M-16 rifle, two rifle grenades, 10 BA30 dry cell batteries with wires used for detonating their improvised explosive devices (IEDs), two back packs with personal belongings, one medical kit, one stethoscope, and subversive documents.
Tracks of bloods have been found on the location of the NPAs.
Civilian witnesses said that they have seen the fleeing rebels. carrying their wounded comrades going towards north and east of the encounter site.
Pursuit operation against the NPAs are still ongoing.