PANACAN, DAVAO CITY (19 October) -- Government troops under 39th Infantry Battalion encountered an estimated 30 communist rebels while conducting combat patrol in the vicinity of Sitio Kamalig, Barangay Goma, Digos City, Davao Del Sur.

Reports state that the elements of Bravo Company of 39IB were doing their routine scouring in their area of responsibility when they came across with NPA rebels encamping in Kamalig. The Communist terrorists were planning to launch a series of attacks in the major areas of Davao del Sur when the government forces staged a firefight against them.

The firefight lasted for 20 minutes after before the communists withdraw, the dissident burned the area to impede the troops from coming after them.

Recovered from the encounter site were live ammunitions and personal belongings of the enemy. There were no casualties on the government side while undetermined in the enemy's side as bloodstains indicate in the area of encounter.

Troops of 39IB are intensifying its ground operations to track down the remnants of the NPAs in the area, they also added that they will relentlessly extend their efforts to neutralize the rebels to make the area conducive for progressive living.