40 NPA rebels attack Malaybalay City Jail left 3 hurt, cart firearms

January 23, 2009

By Lizanilla J. Amarga

Authorities are now conducting a manhunt operation against the 40 rebels who stormed the Malaybalay City Jail in Barangay Pagatpat, Malaybalay, Bukidnon last Wednesday late afternoon.

4th Infantry Division spokesperson Major Michelle Anayron told Gold Star Daily that elements of the local Philippine National Police (PNP-Malaybalay) and their military’s Task Force Snakers are now pursuing these communist rebels.

Nevertheless, he confirmed that not a single inmate escaped with the rebels but that three M-16 assault rifles, one 9mm and .45 caliber pistols were carted away.

Also, he added that one inmate and two jail guards were left injured during the firefight that ensued during the attack.

Anayron said their intelligence group reported that the rebels are members of the Front Committee 6 of the New People’s Army (NPA) operating at the Bukidnon area.

He said these rebels wanted to disarm the jail guards who were manning the Malaybalay City Jail and perhaps cart away more firearms.

But the rebels did not count so much on the quick response of the local Philippine National Police in Malaybalay and the military’s 4th ID Task Force Snakers.

“Mga gwardya raman sa preso makaya nila,” he said yesterday.

Anayron said after the short firefight, the NPA rebels immediately left the area and headed for the town of Impasug-ong , Bukidnon.

He said a composite team from the local police and military are now combing the area.

He added that the attack is part of the NPA’s aim to “project their armed presence at the locality”.

Written by admin · Filed Under Cagayan de Oro