By Mike Crismundo

CAMP BANCASI, Butuan City – Three Communist New People’s Army (NPA) terrorists were killed, while an undetermined number of other rebels were believed wounded as they were walloped by government forces in the far-flung forested Patagon area in Barangay Anticala here, according to 402nd Infantry Brigade (402nd IB) Civil Military Operation (CMO) officer Maj. Ronald C. Putol.

Putol said the troops of 29th IB responded to tips provided by local villages about the rebels extorting from them.

The encountered terrorists were members of Guerilla Front 21 of the CPP-NPA Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee under a certain Commander Anub, Putol disclosed.

The gun battle erupted at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, but the overwhelming might as well as superior position of the government forces had the rebels retreating after only 15 minutes of encounter.

“The enemy scampered in different directions, leaving behind their three unidentified slain comrades-in-arms, dragging along with them their unaccounted number of wounded,” Putol said.

The fleering rebels left behind an AK47 rifle, two M16 Armalite rifles and an M203 grenade launcher, and assorted live ammunition.

“The dead bodies are yet to be identified and will be turned-over to the barangay officials in Anticala and PNP personnel for identification and proper disposition, the 402nd CMO officer added.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the families of those killed. It is disheartening that NPA terrorists will just leave their dead comrades behind. We will coordinate with the local government unit and local authorities to ensure that the slain CNTs will be delivered to their respective families for proper burial,” Lt. Col. Warren C. Munda, commanding officer of 29th 1B said.