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Soldiers

Army Foils NPA Terrorist Attacks in Central Mindanao

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Army troopers in Sultan Kudarat Province have thwarted an attempt by the New People's Army (NPA) to carry out terrorist attacks in urban centers in Central Mindanao. The breakthrough came after the capture of two suspected rebels, Jimmy Balawag and Nardo Mino, who were found in possession of explosives and other contraband. The suspects, who have confessed to being NPA members, are currently detained in the Sultan Kudarat provincial jail.

Key Takeaways:

  • Two suspected NPA rebels, Jimmy Balawag and Nardo Mino, were captured in a raid on their safehouse in Barangay Sinapulan, Columbio, Sultan Kudarat on June 3.
  • The suspects were found in possession of explosives, including three blasting caps, one timer fuse, three sticks of commercial dynamites, and electrical wire.
  • The suspects have confessed to being members of the NPA and belonging to the team of a certain Romeo Moral, alias "Meyo," and Emmanuel Fernandez, alias "Bobo" or "Ampog."
  • The military has discovered a new big training camp of local rebels at Sitio Datal Lanao, Barangay Sinapulan, Columbio, Sultan Kudarat.
  • The NPA had planned to use newly trained indigenous people to form "Yunit Militia" for the lumads, who would be used to conduct atrocities against government forces.
  • The military has assured that the treatment of the two suspected rebels is in accordance with the rules of engagement and AFP standard operation procedures.

Statistics:

  • Three blasting caps seized from the suspects.
  • One timer fuse seized from the suspects.
  • Three sticks of commercial dynamites seized from the suspects.
  • 50 meters of electrical wire seized from the suspects.
  • Used batteries seized from the suspects.
  • One military training camp discovered in Sitio Datal Lanao, Barangay Sinapulan, Columbio, Sultan Kudarat.
  • 30 armed followers of Emmanuel Fernandez, alias "Bobo" or "Ampog."
  • Reports of landmines and other improvised explosive devices planted by the NPA at the entry and exit of Barangay Sinapulan.

Sources:

  • "Army foils NPA terrorist attacks in Central Mindanao" by The Manila Times
  • "Suspected NPA rebels arrested in Sultan Kudarat" by The Philippine Star
  • "NPA training camp discovered in Sultan Kudarat" by The Mindanao Times
  • Press conference by Lt. Col. Cesar M. Idio, commanding officer of the 25th Infantry Battalion.

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