Scout Rangers overran 2 CPP anniversary sites —military

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – Two hideouts being prepared as venues for the Communist Party of the Philippines’ 50th anniversary celebration in Mindanao were seized by Philippine Army Scout Rangers, the military announced on Saturday.

The two sites, located in an uninhabited mountainous area bordering Bukidnon and Agusan Del Sur, were seized after a series of armed encounters with New People's Army gunmen on December 12 and 13, 2018.

During the first encounter on December 12, Army Scout Rangers engaged 40 fully-armed CPP-NPA terrorists who were working on a 20 x 300 meter hideout which could accommodate around 120 people.

A multi-purpose hall, two kitchens, a generator set, and a water reservoir was found in this hideout.

On the morning of December 13, the Rangers reengaged with the same NPA gunmen a few kilometers from the first site.

A larger 40 x 200 meter NPA hideout was discovered during this fight. This second site had a billeting area with huts and improvised beds for approximately 100 people.

Weapons, ammunition, explosives, medical kits, personal belongings, and CPP-NPA-National Democratic Front documents were also seized during both encounters.

Colonel Edgardo de Leon, commander of the 403rd Infantry “Peacemaker” Brigade, commended the Army Scout Rangers for their accomplishment as it belied CPP founding chairman Jose Maria "Joma" Sison’s claim that Philippine security forces could not prevent their anniversary celebration.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo on Dec. 6 said government security forces are ready to repel guerrilla attacks that the communist rebels may stage in line with the upcoming 50th anniversary of the CPP.

"We are ready for that. The President doesn’t have to make any orders...meaning to say, the defense is ready for any eventuality," he said.

The CPP will have its anniversary on December 26. —DVM/KG, GMA News