By Eldie S. Aguirre
Digos City Bureau Chief
DIGOS City — Soldiers of the 73rd Infantry Battalion reportedly engaged in a firefight with members of the New People’s Army last Friday in the hinterlands of Kiblawan, Davao del Sur.
A military report said the first platoon of Alpha Company of the 73rd IB was conducting a routine patrol at the vicinity of Sitio Bulol Lumot, Barangay Kimlawis when they encountered at least 10 NPA guerrillas at about 3:15 pm where an intense firefight ensued for at least 30 minutes.
2Lt. Jerson Sanchez, the platoon leader said the rebels withdrew towards the boundaries of Davao del Sur and Sultan Kudarat province but left a landmine, other war materiel, backpack, and subversive documents in the battlefield.
Lt. Col. Marion Angcao, 73rd IB commanding officer said the military will not hesitate to use legitimate force if deemed necessary to suppress or repel any threat from the NPA.
“We are not letting our guards down as the NPA are still harassing the peaceful atmosphere of the people in the upland communities,” Angcao said.
Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Angcao during the press conference on Friday in Malita, Davao Occidental said the military will not be out of focus at this point in time and they will not let the NPA rebels go on with their extortion activities in the area.
“We will also assure the people within our area of responsibility that the military will not abuse anybody even if Martial Law has been declared by the President. Our task is to protect you, not to inflict harm or abuse,” Angcao said.
Disclaimer
Mindanao Gold Star Daily holds the copyrights of all articles and photos in perpetuity. Any unauthorized reproduction in any platform, electronic and hardcopy, shall be liable for copyright infringement under the Intellectual Property Rights Law of the Philippines.
