Troops from the Army’s 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division (2ID) engaged in a firefight with members of the New People's Army (NPA) this morning in Roxas, Oriental Mindoro, resulting in the death of one female rebel and the recovery of firearms and war materiel.
The encounter occurred at around 7:45 a.m. in Sitio Tinisan, Brgy. San Vicente, as soldiers from the 4th Infantry Battalion (4IB) responded to reports from residents regarding the presence of armed individuals in the area.
During the skirmish, a female NPA member, whose identity is still being verified, was killed. Two M16 rifles and assorted war materiel were recovered at the site. While one soldier sustained injuries, he is reported to be in stable condition and receiving medical care.
Lt. Col. Erwin Glenn Romero, Commanding Officer of the 4IB, noted that blood traces at the site suggest additional casualties among the NPA fighters, who fled after the clash.
Major General Cerilo Balaoro, Jr., Commander of the 2ID, credited the success of the operation to the vigilance of local residents who provided timely information about the armed group's presence.
“Your continued support is significant in achieving our dream of a lasting peace, security, and development in Oriental Mindoro,” Major General Balaoro said, expressing gratitude to the residents of Sitio Tinisan.
He also extended condolences to the family of the fallen NPA member, lamenting the exploitation of individuals by the armed movement. Balaoro further urged residents to report any wounded individuals in the vicinity so they could receive necessary medical attention.
“We are appealing to the people in the area to report anyone who may be wounded during the clash so we can provide them with the needed medical attention. Let us give them another chance to live peaceful lives with their loved ones,” he added.
The 2ID leadership reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ending insurgency in Mindoro and across the regions of Calabarzon and Mimaropa, sending a strong message to remaining NPA members about the seriousness of the military’s campaign to achieve lasting peace. (PR)
