Soldier dead as gov’t troops clash with NPA rebels in Lanao del Sur

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PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur – Troops from the Army’s 64th Infantry Battalion clashed with alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Bubong town, Lanao del Sur province on Sunday, killing a soldier, the military said.

Major Jairus Mark Mira, spokesperson of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division, said the 30-minute clash happened in Sitio Little Marawi of Rogero village and involved members of the NPA’s Sub-Regional Committee-5 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (SRC-5) led by a certain Andot.

Mira identified the slain soldier as Private First Class Patrick Dagapioso of Bacolod, Lanao del Norte.

READ: 5 persons die, 3 hurt in Lanao del Norte village clashes

Mira added that during clearing operations, soldiers discovered bloodstains in the position of the rebels.

The soldiers also seized various items left behind by the rebels including a mini projector likely used for propaganda activities, a Baofeng radio battery, 47 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition for M16 rifles, 30 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition for M60 general purpose machine gun, two rounds of 7.62mm ammunition for AK47 rifles, and one short and two long magazines for M16 rifles.

Lt Col. Abel Potutan, commanding officer of the Army’s 64th Infantry Battalion, expressed his condolences to the family of the slain soldier whom he honored for his “ultimate sacrifice” in the name of achieving peace in the province.

“We honor the bravery and dedication of our slain soldier whose commitment to duty exemplifies the courage of our troops in the face of adversity. We will continue our pursuit of those who threaten the peace and security of our communities,” Potutan said.

“We remain vigilant and prepared to respond to any threats against our people in Lanao del Sur,” said Brig. Gen. Yegor Rey Barroquillo, commander of the Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade.

Earlier, the unit succeeded in neutralizing a certain Badong, who used to command an SRC-5 platoon operating in Lanao del Sur and Iligan City, and facilitated the surrender of some 16 NPA guerrillas who brought in 58 assorted firearms.