NPA training camp seized

MANILA, Philippines - The military captured a training camp of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Makilala, North Cotabato last Wednesday.

In a statement, Lt. Col. Benjamin Hao, civil-military operations officer of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said the camp in Barangay New Israel was seized after a brief clash between elements of the 57th Infantry Battalion and the communist rebels.

The NPA guerrillas fled to different directions after the encounter, which lasted for 10 minutes.

The soldiers then proceeded to the training camp and discovered nine bunkers with foxholes filled with different foodstuff, personal items, combat uniforms and different parts of explosive devices.

“The presence of a battery switch, detonation cords, an improvised explosive device, and 150 meters of electrical wires indicates that these groups are part of those who are causing terrorism in Cotabato,” said 57th Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Col. Bernie Langub.

Hao said the troops are currently conducting clearing and pursuit operation against the insurgents.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines said it has intensified combat operations against communist rebels to curb the decades-old problem of insurgency in the country.

The government has set a June 30 deadline to wipe out the communist rebellion. The military estimates that there are around 4,700 remaining NPA members nationwide.