Army clashes with NPA terrorists in Zambo Norte

Army’s 53rd Infantry (MATAPAT) Battalion clashed with Communist-NPA terrorists today 04 July in Barangay Guibo, Siayan, Zamboanga del Norte province.

No casualty was incurred on the government side in the 20-minute firefight.

The CTGs that were engaged in the firefight were believed to be members of MRGU and HQ “KALAW” of the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC).

The 53rd IB troopers were conducting combat patrol and community engagement before the firefight took place.

In a statement, 53rd IB Commander Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera thanked the community for their cooperation and alerting the troops of the location of the armed NPA terrorists.

“The firefight was a tip-off from the residents in Barangay Guibo, Siayan – a proof that the residents are tired of NPA violence, atrocities, and deception,” said Lt. Col. Herrera.

“The troops’ desire to ensure the safety of the community prompted them to respond in the information given by the community,” added Lt. Col. Herrera.

Barangay Guibo is known to be a safe haven of NPA terrorists in the area.

For his part, Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade Commander Col. Leonel Nicolas, who has operational jurisdiction of Zamboanga del Norte province commended the troops for their untiring efforts to pursue the NPA terrorists.

“Your untiring and selfless efforts will soon pay off once we ensure the peace in our area of operations. We will not stop until the community feels safe,” said Col. Nicolas.

The troops are still in hot pursuit of the NPA terrorists as of this posting.