By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

A gun battle erupted between elements of the Philippine Army 79th Infantry Battalion (79IB) and around 10 members of New People’s Army (NPA) last Thursday night in a mountainous area of Barangay Mabini in Escalante City.

Based on information provided by the 303rd Infantry Brigade (303IB), 79IB received reports from local residents regarding the NPA’s presence in the area, which prompted them to conduct combat operations.

Government forces engaged the combatants for at least 10 minutes until the NPA rebels withdrew towards the southwest.

303IB commander, Brigadier General Benedict Arevalo, has yet to provide an update as of yesterday, although reports suggest some of the rebels reportedly surrendered hours after the battle, while others remain on the run.

The military did not suffer any casualties from the battle but it is believed some of the rebels may have been wounded.

The fight also forced the mayor of neighboring Toboso, Richard Jaojoco, to cancel classes for the six schools in his municipality for security purposes.

Local residents have also reportedly fled following the battle and are temporarily being sheltered at evacuation centers. The army and local governments have already provided food and medical supplies to the affected residents.

The 79IB is presently conducting hot pursuit operations against the rebels./DGB, WDJ