CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – Troops from the 29th Infantry Battalion under the operational control of the 901st Infantry Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, successfully neutralized one member of the New People’s Army (NPA) and captured two high-powered firearms during a series of encounters in the hinterlands of Sitio Banbanon, Brgy. Pianing, Butuan City on Monday, July 7, 2025.
The firefight first occurred at around 5:20 in the morning, as operating troops responded to a report from concerned residents regarding the presence of armed men conducting extortion activities and recruitment attempts in the area. The encounter lasted for two minutes before the remaining NPA managed to flee. This resulted in the capture of one M16 rifle.
Meanwhile, at around 7:30 AM on the same day, while conducting pursuit operations, another encounter ensued that lasted for five minutes and resulted in the death of an NPA member who is yet to be identified and the capture of one R4 rifle.
Lieutenant Colonel Mark S. Tabon, Commanding Officer of 29IB, attributed the successful operation to the timely and accurate information provided by the local populace who have been steadfast in their support to the governmentβs peace and security efforts, particularly in ending the local communist armed conflict. βThis encounter is a direct result of our continued collaboration with local communities and former rebels who have chosen the path of peace. We remain committed to safeguarding our peace-loving people and putting an end to the threats posed by the NPA,β he added.
In his statement, Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr., Commander of the 4ID, lauded the troops for their swift and decisive action that further weakens the NPA’s ability to conduct atrocities.
βThis latest success highlights our relentless pursuit of peace and security in Caraga. Every neutralized enemy and captured firearm diminishes the NPA’s capacity to conduct armed violence. We call on the remaining members of the NPA to lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law, while they still have the chance. Otherwise, our troops will relentlessly hunt them down to prevent them from further endangering the lives of innocent civilians and disrupting peace and developmemt in the region,β MGen. Anayron said.
