08-07-2025
Suspected rebel killed, guns seized in Butuan clashes
A suspected rebel was killed while two high-powered firearms were seized during a series of armed encounters in the hinterlands of Barangay Pianing, Butuan City on Monday, July 7, 2025.
According to the 4th Infantry Division (4ID), troops of the 29th Infantry Battalion responded to a report about the presence of armed men allegedly recruiting and extorting from residents in the area.
The operating team engaged the armed men in a firefight that lasted for about two minutes, which resulted in the confiscation of an M16 rifle.
After a few hours, another encounter erupted while the troops were pursuing the fleeing armed group.
The encounter lasted for about five minutes, which resulted in the death of an alleged member of the New People's Army (NPA) who is yet to be identified. A R4 rifle was also confiscated.
'This encounter is a direct result of our continued collaboration with local communities and former rebels who have chosen the path of peace. We remain committed to safeguarding our peace-loving people and putting an end to the threats posed by the NPA,' 29IB Commander, Lt. Col. Mark Tabon, said.
4ID Commander, Major General Michele Anayron, Jr., lauded the troops for the successful operation.
'This latest success highlights our relentless pursuit of peace and security in Caraga. Every neutralized enemy and captured firearm diminishes the NPA's capacity to conduct armed violence. We call on the remaining members of the NPA to lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law, while they still have the chance. Otherwise, our troops will relentlessly hunt them down to prevent them from further endangering the lives of innocent civilians and disrupting peace and development in the region,' Anayron said.
