Suspected rebel arrested after 15-minute gunfight in Oriental Mindoro

BULALACAO, Oriental Mindoro — Government troops arrested a former platoon leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) following a 15-minute gunfight in Sitio Bagao, Barangay San Roque, Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro, at around 1 p.m. on Wednesday.

Brig. Gen. Melencio Ragudo, commander of the Philippine Army’s 203rd Infantry Brigade, said soldiers were conducting a joint patrol after a resident reported seeing a group of armed men in the area.

According to Ragudo, the troops came under fire as they approached a tent where the armed men were staying, triggering an exchange of gunfire with around 10 suspected NPA rebels.

The firefight lasted about 15 minutes before the suspected rebels fled, leaving one of their companions behind. The suspect raised his hands and surrendered to the troops.

Authorities identified the arrested man as a former platoon leader of the NPA’s Kilusang Larangang Guerilla-MAV, who had reportedly been demoted within the organization.

The military also discovered that the suspect had several outstanding arrest warrants for various offenses, including murder and arson.

Authorities said the encounter took place near a highway. The suspected rebels were reportedly preparing lunch when government troops arrived.

The group had allegedly been staying in the area for about two weeks as it sought to rebuild its ranks.

The arrested suspect is now detained at the Bulalacao Municipal Police Station.

Government troops recovered a Colt M16 rifle, two long aluminum magazines, one short aluminum magazine, 214 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, 29 rounds of AK-47 ammunition and 25 rounds of ammunition for an M60 general-purpose machine gun. 

They also seized two bandoliers, a handguard, 12 blasting caps, a battery detonator, a solar panel, an FHM radio, an Icom charger, medical supplies and equipment, and documents described by authorities as subversive.

Other items recovered included five backpacks, four Mangyan bags, six ponchos, food supplies, a shovel, a hammock, two bolos and personal belongings.