Gov't Troops overrun NPA lair, seize paraphernalia in Bukidnon

Security forces overran a New People's Army camp in Bukidnon last Thursday and seized war materiel and belongings after a 10-minute gun battle against seven rebels, the Philippine Army said Saturday.

In press release, the Army said that troops from 72nd Infantry Battalion engaged the rebels in a fire fight in Purok 10, Barangay Kiburiao, Quezon town.

Army troops seized several items including:

• one R4 Rifle (Upper Receiver),
• 128 rounds of 5.56 cal ammo,
• one Improvised hand grenade,
• three blasting caps,
• two IED switching devices,
• one binoculars,
• three cauldrons,
• one casserole,
• two backpacks,
• one 3ml syringe,
• one 6ml syringe,
• one intravenous set,
• one [bag] intravenous fluid,
• four sachets of lubricating jelly,
• three pairs of scissors,
• eight Poncho tents,
• nine fish hooks,
• assorted medicines,
• assorted food items,
• assorted hygiene items, and
• assorted personal belongings

According to the soldiers, the rebels were believed to be members of the NPA's GF57, SRC3, SMRC led by Ruel Villanueva Cabales @Aman, Secretary SRC3. 

The Army said that relentless information gathering, and focused military operation of the 72IB have stopped extortion, burning of properties, and recruitment activities of the communist rebels in the area. 

On the other hand, the 72IB calls on the remaining members of the communist rebels to surrender peacefully, and embrace the peace initiatives of the Government through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP). —LBG, GMA News