Government forces captured an alleged wounded rebel and seized a high-powered gun following a 10-minute firefight with the New People’s Army (NPA) in Medina, Misamis Oriental on Sunday, August 18, 2024.

Troops of the 58^th Infantry Battalion (58IB) were conducting military operations when they engaged around 10 NPA combatants in an armed encounter.

The rebels were said to be remnants of the SR SDG Eagles of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) in the area.

The wounded rebel was given first aid and was later brought to the medical station.

Seized during the encounter were backpacks containing supplies. potential intelligence materials, and an M16 rifle.

“Throughout the years, the unit was able to dismantle guerrilla fronts and neutralized high-value leaders leading to the weakening of the group and attest that the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) is at the brink of extinction,” 58IB said.

58IB Commander, Lt. Col. Christian Uy, lauded the troops for thwarting possible terroristic acts and underscored the importance of collaboration between the military and the community.

“Our relentless combat operations these past days shows our commitment to pursue this group and end their criminal agenda. They are currently outnumbered and on survival mode, which has greatly increased our determination to locate the remaining members of SR SDG Eagles who are present in our area of operation,” Uy said.

58IB added that security measures in the area remain in place while the information education campaign (IEC) about the threat situation is also being intensified.