The New People’s Army (NPA)-Bukidnon ambushed operating military troops at the Namnam River in Barangay St. Peter, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon on October 24. Three fascist soldiers were killed, and an R4 rifle, a vest and magazines, a pistol, 10 backpacks, ammunition, and other supplies were seized.

The NPA carried out this tactical offensive amid the height of focused military operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines battalions in the region. Prior to this, the NPA attacked the 26th IB troop in Sitio Kimam, Barangay Binicalan, San Luis, Agusan del Sur on October 14. Four backpacks and other military equipment were seized from the soldiers.

On October 22, the NPA encountered the 26th IB in Barangay Binicalan where Comrade Ike Dahonay (Ka Tres) was martyred. At least five 26th IB soldiers were killed, while many others were wounded, according to the NPA unit.

Active defense. In Masbate, units of the NPA-Masbate (Jose Rapsing Command) successfully defended against the AFP’s attempt to raid their temporary encampments in the towns of Uson and Baleno in November. Seven soldiers were reported killed in the active defense, while seven others were wounded.

On November 22, the NPA confronted the 2nd IB in Sitio Pile, Barangay San Jose, Uson. The NPA-Masbate unit also defended against the 96th IB in Barangay Cancahorao, Baleno on November 20. After the battle, one Red fighter was captured. The NPA-Masbate demanded that the rights of the captured fighter as an hors de combat be respected.

In Oriental Mindoro, Red fighters thwarted an attack by the 76th IB and 203rd IB against the unit encamped in Sitio Camilian, Barangay Bugtong na Tuog, Socorro on November 18. The active defense by the people’s army killed two fascist soldiers of the Marcos regime and wounded many others.