links: http://www.afp.mil.ph/index.php/8-afp-news/430-afp-neutralizes-50-npas-recovered-16-firearms
AFP neutralizes 50 NPAs, recovered 16 Firearms
CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – Amid
intense operations against the terrorist Maute-ISIS Group in Marawi,
the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) was able to neutralize 50
members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and recovered 16 firearms in
separate operations outside the battle-stricken city.
Never waning in its operations against
the communist terrorists, military forces were able to conduct
successful operations against the NPA, mostly in North-eastern Mindanao.
Of the 50 neutralized communist
terrorists, 36 voluntarily surrendered to government forces, nine (9)
were killed, and five (5) were arrested in separate encounters starting
May 23–day one of the attack on Marawi.
Over the course of operations,
government troops also recovered 16 high-powered and low-powered
firearms. On the other hand, 15 firearms were turned over by
surrendering NPA members.
The most recent encounter took place in Paquibato District, Davao City on June 11 where elements of the 16th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army were able to neutralize one NPA fighter and recover a rifle.
The AFP saw a surge of surrenders from
the NPA starting May 23. Significant of which were five (5) NPAs who
voluntarily surrendered in Talaingod, Davao del Norte on June 13, and
six (6) members with high-powered firearms who surrendered in
Maguindanao on June 6.
During the period however, the NPA
intensified its offensives against government troops following the
declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao.
“It seemed like the NPAs wanted to
affiliate with the Maute-ISIS group as shown by their order of
offensives against the AFP on account of the declaration of Martial Law
in Mindanao, which was implemented to protect our people from the
ISIS-linked terrorists,” Colonel Arevalo said.
On June 13, elements of the Army’s 66th Infantry
Battalion while on their way to conduct checkpoint operations in
Compostela Valley were subjected to an IED attack by members of the
NPAs. The AFP also recorded separate harassment incidents by the NPAs in
Ligao City, Albay and Davao City on June 12.
“However, when the NPA’s order of
intensified offensive against the AFP was assailed, they changed tactic
and offered to help the military fight the Maute-ISIS group,” asserts
Colonel Arevalo.
To date, the AFP has now neutralized 324
NPAs since the termination of peace negotiations and lifting of
ceasefire on February 4, 2017. It also recovered a total of 77
high-powered and low-powered firearms while 76 were surrendered
firearms.
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