By LITO RULONA
and NITZ ARANCON
Correspondents .
AT least 200 individuals were forced to evacuate from Barangay Minalwang, Claveria town in Misamis Oriental after government troops clashed with alleged members of the New People’s Army on several occasions over the weekend.
Minalwang barangay chairman Rex Manansagan said residents fled the area after soldiers from the 65th Infantry Battalion and 1st Special Forces Battalion under the 403rd Infantry Brigade encountered about 30 Maoist guerrillas in Sitio Lakbayan.
“Initially we sent seven sacks of rice and relief goods to the affected residents (now seeking refuge) at the Barangay Minalwang basketball court. Ang mga rebelde na karon ug mga sundalo ang nag-engkwentro kay gipakanaug na namo ang mga civilians sa sentro dapit sa Sito Malansagay nga eskwelahan,” said Manansagan.
Manansagan said they were able to recover a body.
“Wala pa namo ma-identify ang ngalan sa namatay. Army troopers nag-gamit na karon og duha ka helicopter sa ilang operation didto,” he added.
Manansagan said sporadic gunfires could still be heard from Sitio Lakbangan early morning yesterday.
The Army’s 403rd Brigade launched wide-scale operations in relation to the recently concluded 49th NPA anniversary on Sunday.
Fourth Infantry Division spokesperson 1Lt. Tere Ingente said troops found a bandolier of ammunition with four magazines, high-powered ammunition for M-16, M-14, AK-47 rifles, and a Garand rifle.
Soldiers were also found 20 meters of wire intended for an explosive, subversive documents, and personal belongings.
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.
