MANILA, Philippines –Elite Scout Ranger soldiers overran a large camp the New People’s Army (NPA) in Davao Oriental, a military official said.
Lt. Col. Gilbert Saret, Commanding Officer of the 25th Infantry Battalion, said a 40-man Scout Ranger unit stumbled upon a large enemy encampment in the hinterlands of Cateel town in Davao Oriental yesterday.
“The rangers attacked a well-fortified camp of rebels under its Southern Regional Command. Crawling stealthily up to about 30-meters behind the enemy bunkers, our soldiers initiated the firefight which commenced at 1:30pm,”said Saret.
“The NPA rebels withdrew in complete disarray with their numerous casualties,” he said while adding that the rebels left behind five high-powered firearms including a Cal 5.56mm M4 Rifle, two Cal 5.56mm M16 assault rifles, and two Cal 7.62mm M14 assault rifles.
The firefight ended around 5:00 p.m. with three soldiers wounded.
Saret said due to the heavy forest canopy, the rescue choppers failed to pick the wounded soldiers immediately. As of 11:00 a.m. today, the wounded are being evacuated to a safer area where a landing site is prepared.
“I have ordered massive pursuit operations employing other companies from my unit. My soldiers are in the hot trail for the fleeing rebels whose traces are highly visible in the dense forests,” he added. - By Jun Pasaylo
