A SERIES of clashes has transpired late last week between the government forces and the New People's Army rebels after the community reported the terrorists’ extortion operation at Barangay Manalog, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

The government forces even recovered a high-powered firearm and explosives, a military official said Sunday.

Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion civil-military officer 2nd Lieutenant Camille Bumatay said government soldiers engaged more or less 30 NPA rebels under Guerilla Front 89, Sub-Regional Committee 2, North Central Mindanao Regional Command.

"People in the area are now tired of giving them revolutionary taxes," said Bumatay, adding that the locals already reported these extortionists (NPA rebels) to the authorities.

According to the villagers the NPA rebels are asking for food and money to the residents, which resulted in a series of encounters, Bumatay said.

"These NPA  terrorists are asking for food (rice) and P5 per household in the area,” Bumatay said in a text message.

She said a clash happened on Wednesday, (Nov. 26), when troops of the 43rd Division Reconnaissance Company, operationally controlled by the 8IB, responded to the calls of the civilians.

The clash resulted in the seizure of 1 M16 rifle, 2 rifle grenades, 1 improvised explosive device, 1 bandolier, 3 backpacks, 2 cooking pots, 2 burners, 150-meters wire, assorted medicines, and subversive documents.

A series firefight ensued, which ended with the communist guerillas retreating in different directions.

No soldiers were hurt in the firefight, Bumatay said.

She said the NPA rebels side suffered an undetermined number of casualties based on the heavy bloodstains found in the escape route of the rebels.

8IB commander Lt. Col Edgardo V Talaroc Jr, thanked the constituents of Brgy Manalog for reporting such terroristic acts and for cooperating to end local armed conflict.

“Kini nga yunit magpadayon sa paghanting sa mga NPA nga terorista aron maluwas ang komunidad sa ilang teroristang pagpangilad ug pagpahimulos," said Talaroc.

403rd Brigade commander General Ferdinand Barandon also asked the continued support of the public for the continuous flow of information.

"The brigade will relentlessly continue its effort to prevent NPA extortions and other terroristic acts," said Barandon.  

Meanwhile, in an earlier interview, 4ID commander Major General Andres Centino has urged the soldiers to relentlessly pursue the NPAs who had been menacing the people in the countryside.

"I encourage the people to continue to report the presence of NPAs in  their communities in order for us to prevent their extortion and other terrorist activities,”  said Centino.

On November 19, 2020 two encounters also happened in the hinterlands of Brgy Manalog, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. (Ben Balce)