Army troops repulse NPA attack in Surigao del Sur
by LTC Triumph Dominic G Bagaipo (OS)
Cagayan De Oro City (29 July) -- SCAA elements of Surigao Development Corporation (SUDECOR) based in Lawaan Post, Placa Area, Sitio Gacub, Brgy Hinapuyan, Carmen, Surigao del Sur repulsed an attack by undetermined number of local terrorists (NPAs) at about 11:20 in the morning of July 28, Wednesday. The firefight lasted for about 30 minutes with no casualties on the government side and 1 NPA is believed to be killed and several others wounded.
"The vigilance of our troops and cooperation of the residents nearby helped repulse the attack. This is a good example of the populace and the military working hand-in-hand to achieve peace," emphasized LtCol Jose Emmanuel Mariano, Commander of 36th Infantry Battalion.
Prior to the attack, at about 9:30 in the morning, one (1) Willy?s jeep and one (1) Isuzu forward truck used by SUDECOR was burned by more or less 15 local terrorists (NPAs) with two (2) female members at Tugupon, Sitio Gacub, Hinapuyan which is about 8 kilometers away from Lawaan Post.
SUDECOR is a logging company famous for its sustainable forest management practices which is evaluated and validated by foreign-assisted projects, forestry and environmental experts. SUDECOR is known for not giving in to the extortion demands of these lawless elements.
Major General Mario F Chan, AFP, Commander of the 4th Infantry Division, said, "The NPAs have already felt the hardships of living on the run and weakening mass base support as a result of the Diamond Trooper?s relentless combat operations complemented with focused peace and development initiatives." (PA, 4th CMO Bn, 4ID, PA/ PIA-Caraga) [top]
