In a series of confrontations in Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat, the Philippine Army’s 37th Infantry Battalion successfully apprehended a member of the New People’s Army (NPA) and confiscated an M16 rifle along with ammunition. The initial clash occurred at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, involving the battalion’s soldiers and NPA’s Platoon 2 from the Sub-Regional Committee Daguma in the Far South Mindanao Region. The skirmish lasted approximately 20 minutes before the rebels withdrew.
Following the first encounter, a subsequent engagement took place two hours later during a clearing operation. The rebels once again retreated, but this time, they left behind a comrade known as ‘Cardo.’ From him, the troops retrieved an M16 rifle and four magazines loaded with ammunition.
Lt. Col. Christopherson Capuyan, the battalion’s commander, reported the incidents and highlighted the recovery of the weapons. Brig. Gen. Michael Santos, who leads the 603rd Infantry Brigade, praised the efforts of the 37IB soldiers, noting that two were slightly injured during the operations. Santos also called on the remaining NPA members to surrender and choose peace, emphasizing that military operations would continue until the rebels lay down their arms. He added that the government is ready to assist those who surrender in rebuilding their lives with their families.