WOUNDED New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was captured, while two high-powered firearms were recovered in an encounter in Claveria town in Misamis Oriental, a report said Tuesday.  

4th Infantry Division public affairs chief Major Rodulfo Cordero said series of clash on Sunday, (Sept 20) were transpired between members of the communist group Sub-Regional Committee 1 (SRC1) of North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) against the 58th Infantry Battalion in the hinterlands of Sitio Kalahaan, Barangay Minalwang, Claveria, Misamis Oriental.

Cordero said soldiers from the 58IB were conducting military operations in the morning following the reports of the residents of the reported wrongdoings of the armed group who threatened the lives of the residents.

He said the first encounter happened around 8:20 a.m. when the NPA rebels fired them. After the firefight led to the recovery of one M16 rifle, AK47 rifle, one bandolier and the captivity of said NPA.

Cordero said the captured male NPA rebel was later identified by his former comrade as Arnel Ayuma Ramos alias Green, 32 and a squad leader of Sentro de Grabidad of Sub-Regional Command and a resident of So Anahaw, Barangay Bantaawan, Gingoog City.

Ramos was hit on his right thigh and right arm, according to Cordero.

The NPA rebel (Ramos) was now admitted at Camp Evangelista Station Hospital for treatment, said Cordero.

Cordero said no injuries were reported on the government side.

8IB civil-military operation officer 1st Lieutenant Jefferson Mariano said the soldiers immediately applied first aid to save the life of the captured NPA rebel.

“The time he (Ramos) was captured, our soldiers noticed the severity of the wounded rebel's life, that’s why first aid was given to him,” said Mariano.

Another clash transpired at 12 noon, according to Mariano while the soldiers were pursuing the fleeing NPA rebels where they recovered six backpacks with personal belongings and assorted medical paraphernalia.

8IB commander  Lt. Col. Ricky Canatoy extended his warm gratitude to the residents for cooperating with the government.

"we encourage the remaining members of the NPA to lay down their arms and live peaceful and normal lives to avoid the unnecessary waste of lives," said Canatoy.

However, Canatoy said those who will persist in hindering peace, they will continue to use force to protect the people. (Ben Balce)