Misamis Oriental officials issue travel advisory after military ops

Local and foreign tourists have been discouraged from visiting tourist spots in the province of Misamis Oriental due to armed encounters between soldiers and Communist rebels, the regional Philippine Information Agency office reported.

The Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental has issued an order to temoprarily stop local and foreign tourists from visiting tourist destinations.

Provincial Tourism Officer Yvonne Waga also discouraged tourists from conducting mountain climbing activities in areas affected by the continuous combat operations of the military.

According to 5th Infantry Battalion spokesperson 1Lt. Janelle Diaz, armed encounters between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and members of the New People's Army took place in Upper Kaulayanan, Sugbongcogon town in Misamis Oriental on February 27 and 28.

Two soldiers died and three were wounded in a fierce fight.

"With the help of the air force, our indirect fire support manages to force the New People’s Army (NPA) from their held positions. We are doing this to force the NPAs away from the communities they have been extorting," said Diaz.

She also said civilians reported seeing the NPA members carry casualties from their ranks away the area.

The recent encounters in the area, Diaz said are the result of the information given by concerned civilians after the roadblock of NPA members in Medina town last week. — BAP, GMA News