T’BOLI, SOUTH COTABATO — Government troops again clashed with an armed group reportedly composed of New People’s Army (NPA) members in T’boli, South Cotabato, on Tuesday morning, September 15, as security forces continued pursuit operations following earlier encounters in the area.
The latest clash occurred at around 5:45 a.m. in the vicinity of Sitio Datalbong, Barangay Tudok, where personnel of the 105th Infantry “Saifullah” Battalion encountered the armed group, according to the military.
The encounter marked the third reported clash involving government forces and the same armed group amid continuing pursuit operations in the mountainous communities of T’boli.
The latest confrontation followed two earlier encounters reported in nearby Sitio Lebe, Barangay Tudok, on September 14, when troops were pursuing an estimated group of armed NPA members. The military previously reported recovering firearms and other items in the aftermath of those encounters, although no confirmed casualty figures had been released.
Authorities have not reported confirmed casualties from Tuesday morning’s latest encounter.
Pursuit Operations Continue
Following the latest exchange of fire, government forces continued security and pursuit operations in the area as troops worked to determine the whereabouts and movement of the armed group.
Military operations are being conducted with the stated objective of preventing further armed encounters and protecting civilians living in communities potentially affected by the presence and movement of armed individuals.
Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and immediately report suspicious activities or the presence of armed persons to the nearest military unit, barangay officials or other appropriate authorities.
Security officials emphasized that cooperation from residents remains important, particularly in communities where armed encounters have occurred, as authorities seek to prevent civilians from being caught in crossfire or otherwise exposed to danger.
The situation remains under monitoring as government forces continue operations in the area.
Government Appeals for Peaceful Return
At the same time, the government renewed its appeal to remaining members of the armed group to abandon armed struggle and return to civilian life through available government reintegration and assistance programs.
The appeal particularly includes individuals who may have been wounded during the recent encounters.
Authorities said those who choose to surrender may coordinate through their families, local government officials or recognized community leaders who can help facilitate their return and access to appropriate government assistance.
The government maintained that the opportunity remains open for armed individuals who want to leave the armed movement and rebuild their lives with their families.
For residents of T’boli, however, the immediate priority remains the protection of communities as military and security operations continue following the successive encounters.
The latest clash underscores the continuing security challenges in parts of the municipality, where government forces remain engaged in efforts to locate the armed group and prevent further violence.
Authorities have yet to release additional details on the identities, strength or condition of the armed group involved in Tuesday morning’s encounter.