Government forces captured one member of the terrorist New People's Army (NPA) during ongoing military operations that coincided with the communist group's anniversary in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro on Sunday, March 29.
According to initial reports from the 203rd Infantry (Bantay Kapayapaan) Brigade, troops from the 68th Infantry (Kaagapay) Battalion encountered approximately 15 NPA members while conducting pursuit operations at Sitio Salafay in Barangay Monteclaro. The engagement resulted in a firefight that lasted approximately 20 minutes before the armed group fled the area.
During the encounter, government troops recovered significant weapons and explosives, including one M16 rifle, a hand grenade, and improvised explosive device (IED) components from the encounter site.
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Second Major Engagement This Week
The March 29 encounter follows an earlier firefight on March 24 in the same barangay involving the same military unit. In that previous engagement, troops clashed with the terrorists and recovered a firearm while discovering bloodstains that indicated possible enemy casualties.
The recent operations represent a significant escalation in military pressure against NPA forces operating in the Occidental Mindoro region, with government forces maintaining sustained operations in the area.
Military Casualties in Line of Duty
Government forces sustained casualties during the encounter, with 1st Lieutenant Dean Oyando killed in action while leading his troops in pursuit of the fleeing terrorists. The fallen officer was praised by military officials for his bravery and leadership during the operation.
Two other soldiers were wounded during the engagement, with one requiring evacuation to the AFP Medical Center (AFPMC) for advanced medical treatment. The extent of their injuries was not immediately disclosed by military officials.
Military Commander Emphasizes Operational Success
In a statement released Monday, Colonel Michael Aquino, Chief of the 2nd Division Public Affairs Office, emphasized that sustained military operations are continuing to weaken the armed group's operational capability in the region.
"Our continuous operations have undeniably disrupted the armed group's movements and significantly diminished their capabilities," Colonel Aquino said. "The terrorist NPA cannot hide from the long arms of the government as we build on the ultimate sacrifice of our fallen comrade and continue to apply the full force of the command to prevent them from regrouping."
Colonel Aquino also paid tribute to the fallen officer, honoring 1st Lieutenant Oyando's courage and dedication to duty during the dangerous pursuit operation.
Fallen Officer's Sacrifice Honored
"1st Lieutenant Dean Oyando embodied the courage and dedication of the Filipino soldier," Colonel Aquino stated. "His ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of peace strengthens our resolve to continue the mission he bravely carried out—to protect our communities and secure lasting peace in our area of responsibility."
The military spokesman emphasized that Oyando's death would not be in vain, with operations continuing to build upon his sacrifice in the fight against communist insurgency in the region.
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Anniversary Operations Disrupt NPA Plans
The timing of the military operations, coinciding with the NPA's anniversary celebrations, was highlighted by Colonel Aquino as strategically significant. He noted that the successful operations sent a clear message to the terrorist organization during what should have been a symbolic period for the group.
"This is a main disruption on their plans as they have been pummeled on their anniversary celebration," Colonel Aquino explained. "We are seeing that their ability to operate is being steadily reduced, they continue to lose ground as our operations intensify."
Military officials indicated that the sustained pressure during the anniversary period was intended to prevent the NPA from conducting propaganda activities or recruitment efforts that typically accompany such symbolic dates.
Community Cooperation Requested
Colonel Aquino urged members of the public to remain vigilant and support ongoing security efforts by reporting suspicious activities to local authorities. The military emphasized the importance of community cooperation in maintaining security and supporting anti-terrorism operations.
"We encourage the public to stay alert and to coordinate with local authorities in reporting any information that may help in our operations," the military spokesman said.
The call for public vigilance comes as military operations continue in the area, with troops maintaining security protocols while pursuing remaining NPA members who fled during the encounter.
Ongoing Operations Continue
According to military sources, operations remain ongoing as troops continue pressing the pursuit against the fleeing NPA members while simultaneously securing affected communities in the operational area. The 68th Infantry Battalion and supporting units are maintaining their presence in Barangay Monteclaro and surrounding areas.
Military officials have not disclosed the specific timeline for concluding current operations, but indicated that pursuit activities would continue until all terrorist elements in the area are neutralized or captured.
The sustained military pressure in Occidental Mindoro represents part of broader government efforts to combat communist insurgency throughout the Philippines, with the Armed Forces of the Philippines maintaining active operations against NPA units in various regions across the archipelago.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Armed Forces of the Philippines
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