Daven Tamayo

Article (news)

Oriental Mindoro

Dennis Datu

ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- Hundreds of Mangyan indigenous families fled their homes in the mountains to the lowlands to avoid clashes between government troops and suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the town of Baco, Oriental Mindoro on Tuesday, where three soldiers have already been killed.According to Baco Mayor Allan Roldan, about 1,000 families from Barangays Lantuyang, San Ignacio, Bayanan, and Bangkatan have descended from the mountains and are now under the care of the local government.Troops from the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division engaged the rebels in Sitio Bituin, Barangay Lantuyang, Baco.A report from the 203rd Infantry Brigade said the soldiers were conducting pursuit operations following the August 9 encounter in the area, where war materials abandoned by the rebels were recovered.Among the fatalities was a military officer.Three other soldiers were wounded and airlifted to V. Luna Hospital in Quezon City.The number of casualties on the rebel side has yet to be determined.The military estimates that around 15 rebels were involved in the firefight.Maj. Gen. Ramon Zagala, acting commander of the Army’s 2nd Infantry “Jungle Fighter” Division, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the three soldiers.“They gave their lives serving the people, keeping our communities safe, and working for peace in Southern Tagalog. Their courage and sacrifice will always be remembered,” Zagala said in a statement.“This tragedy is heavy for all of us, but it only strengthens our resolve. The CPP-NPA continues to threaten lives, exploit civilians, and stand in the way of the progress our people deserve. We will not let them succeed. We remain determined to bring lasting peace to Mindoro and end this decades-long insurgency,” he added.Last Thursday, two suspected NPA members were also killed after clashing with the military in Barangay Happy Valley, Roxas, Oriental Mindoro.In a statement on Wednesday, Vice President Sara Duterte paid tribute to the soldiers, adding that their deaths at the hands of rebels shows the dangers of insurgency.She further commended the fight against insurgency during the term of his father, then-President Rodrigo Duterte.However, the vice president claimed that terrorist groups have infiltrated the government and schools.&quot;Nagtagumpay ang administrasyon ni dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte laban sa insurhensiya ngunit alam natin ang lason ng teroristang grupo ay umabot na sa mga institusyon ng gobyerno at mga paaralan na pinagmumulan ng kanilang mga bagong recruit,&quot; said Duterte. &quot;Kinokondena ko ang karahasan ng NPA at nararapat lamang na kondenahin ito ng lahat ng mga Pilipino na nangangarap ng mamuhay ng tama, matiwasay, at mapayapa — at nagsusumikap para matupad ang pangarap na ito,&quot; she added. -- with a report from Harlene Delgado, ABS-CBN News

Hundreds of Mangyan indigenous families fled their homes in the mountains to the lowlands to avoid clashes between government troops and suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the town of Baco, Oriental Mindoro on Tuesday, where three soldiers have already been killed.

Hundreds of Mangyan indigenous families fled their homes in the mountains to the lowlands to avoid clashes between government troops and suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the town of Baco, Oriental Mindoro on Tuesday, where three soldiers have already been killed.

3 soldiers killed in clash with NPA rebels in Oriental Mindoro

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3 soldiers killed in clash with NPA rebels in Oriental Mindoro

Dennis Datu,

ABS-CBN News

Published Aug 13, 2025 12:27 AM PHT

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Updated Aug 13, 2025 09:13 PM PHT

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Oriental Mindoro

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