Butuan City, July 8, 2025 — Government troops from the 29th Infantry Battalion (29IB), under the operational control of the 901st Infantry Brigade, successfully neutralized a New People’s Army (NPA) member and recovered two high-powered firearms during separate encounters in the hinterlands of Sitio Banbanon, Barangay Pianing, Butuan City on Monday, July 7.
The first clash occurred at approximately 5:20 a.m. after residents alerted authorities about the presence of armed men allegedly conducting extortion and recruitment activities in the area. Responding soldiers engaged the NPA group in a brief firefight lasting two minutes, prompting the insurgents to retreat and abandon an M16 rifle.
A follow-up operation led to a second encounter at around 7:30 a.m., which lasted for five minutes. This engagement resulted in the death of an unidentified NPA member and the recovery of an R4 rifle.
Lieutenant Colonel Mark S. Tabon, Commanding Officer of 29IB, credited the success of the operation to the support and timely information provided by local residents.
“This encounter is a direct result of our continued collaboration with local communities and former rebels who have chosen the path of peace,” Tabon said. “We remain committed to safeguarding our peace-loving people and putting an end to the threats posed by the NPA.”
Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr., Commander of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID), also praised the troops for their swift and decisive action, emphasizing that every armed encounter significantly diminishes the NPA’s operational capacity.
“This latest success highlights our relentless pursuit of peace and security in Caraga. We call on the remaining members of the NPA to surrender and return to the folds of the law, while they still have the chance,” Anayron said. “Otherwise, our troops will relentlessly hunt them down to prevent further harm to innocent civilians and the disruption of peace and development in the region.”
Military authorities continue to pursue the fleeing rebels and conduct clearing operations in nearby areas to ensure the safety of communities.