HOT PURSUIT | Army Clashes With CPP-NPA In Dumingag

The Philippine Army composed of the troops of 53rd Infantry “Matapat” Battalion (53IB) and 44th Infantry “Agile N’ Stable” Battalion (44IB) clashed with CPP-NPA terrorists today, July 4, 2022, in Barangay Saad, Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur.

The government troops were able to recover six (6) live ammo for Cal. 45 pistol, five (5) mobile phones with 21 assorted SIM cards, assorted medicine, food stuff, CPP-NPA propaganda materials, and assorted personal belongings. However, a CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA) was reported wounded-in-action from the 15-minute gunfight and is presently recuperating at the Kuta Cesar Sang-an Station Hospital (KCSSH) in 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division Headquarters, Upper Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.

In a statement, 53IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera said the government will continue to pursue the enemy to keep the people safe.

“Our troops will continue to pursue the enemy to ensure the safety of our people,” said Lt. Col. Herrera.

“However, should they decide to surrender and lay down their arms, we will accept and accommodate them with open arms. We will see to it that they benefit from various programs offered by the government,” Lt. Col. Herrera added.

Meanwhile, Army’s 102nd Infantry “Brigade” Commander Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas encouraged the NPA terrorists still in the hinterlands to surrender and grab the opportunity to be with their families once more.
“Surrender and lay down your arms, and rest assured that the government will look after you. This is your chance to be with your families again,” said Brig. Gen. Nicolas.

The CPP-NPA’s Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC) is now at the brink of collapse after the Guerilla Front BBC (GF-BBC) was declared “dismantled” earlier this year.