TWO separate clashes broke late last week between the government forces and the New People’s Army rebels after the community reported the rebels’ presence in hinterland barangays of Agusan del Sur and Misamis Oriental provinces, military officials said Saturday. The government forces even recovered three high-powered firearms and explosives, according to Army’s 402nd Brigade civil-military officer Major Francisco Garello.   “The civilians are an integral part of our successes,” said Garello adding that locals have been reporting the presence of the NPA rebels in their communities allowing them to respond promptly. In a press statement Saturday, Army’s 58th Infantry Battalion engaged more or less 15 NPA rebels under Sentro De Gravidad (SDG) Samsung, Huawei, Sub Regional Committee (SRC) 1 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) at Brgy San Juan, Balingasag, Misamis Oriental.     A firefight ensued for 15 minutes, which ended with the communist guerillas retreating in different directions,according to Garello.   The clash resulted in the seizure of an M653 rifle, 1 long and 4 short magazines for M16 rifle, 50 rounds ammo for M16, 15 rounds ammo for AK47 rifle, 2 cellular phones, a USB, medical paraphernalia and subversive documents.   At around 11 a.m. Garello said another clash happened after soldiers from 26th Infantry Battalion figured in a 20-minute firefight against NPA rebels from the Regional Sentro De Gravidad (RSDG) Compaq of the NCMRC at Brgy Segunda, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur.   The firefight resulted in the death of 1 NPA rebel and the seizure of an M16 rifle with attached M203 Grenade Launcher, according to Garello.   Garello said the Army’s 58IB and 26IB are both operationally controlled by the Army’s 402nd Brigade, as no soldiers were hurt in the firefight.    402nd Brigade commander Brigadier General Maurito L. Licudine said the troops continue implementing its campaign to neutralize CPP-NPA rebels who are conducting extortion, recruitment and threatening the communities in its areas. “Our Battalions on the ground are continuously tracking and pursuing the NPA rebels since the end of the yuletide season,” said Licudine. Meanwhile, Licudine extended his sincere condolences to the bereaved family of the killed NPA.   “The CPP/NPA leadership thinks only about their own interest. They used the lowly recruits to pursue their agenda and leave them dying without guilt,” he said. Licudine also acknowledged the support and assistance given by the residents and the local officials to the government troops in the implementation of EO70 to finally end the local communist armed conflict. (Ben Balce)