10IB stopped NPA extortion activities

KUTA SANG-AN, LABANGAN, ZABOANGA del SUR  – Reacting from the information given by the civilian residents. The troops from 10^th Infantry  Battalion encountered more or less 10 New Peoples Army belonging to FLX “A” of the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC) in the hinterland of Leon Postigo, Zamboanga del Norte in the morning of May 3 while the troops are conducting security operation in the area.

The rebels are camping in the forested area believed to be fresh from extortion activities in the nearby communities of Leon Postigo when they were caught by the informed government soldier. The fire fight lasted for 30 minutes before the enemy withdraw towards unknown direction. 

According to Lt Col. Leonel M Nicolas, Battalion Commander of 10IB, their unit recovered one (1) 357 revolver, three (3) sacks of food stuff believed to be extorted from the people, five (5) jungle packs containing personal belongings, subversive documents, medical equipments and 50-rounds of live M16 ammos from the encounter site.

LtCol Nicolas has dispatched more troops to conduct pursuit operations to the fleeing rebels. The successful operation is the result of active participation and cooperation of the community to our government programs. The poor communities are now exhausted to the extortion demands of the rebels.