The New People’s Army (NPA)-Sultan Kudarat mounted four armed offensives from June 15 to June 29 against operating police and military units.

The NPA lobbed a grenade and fired at a counterinsurgency unit of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) operating in Sitio Meleb, Barangay Butril, Palimbang on June 29. Five policemen were killed while two were injured.

In the same town, the NPA fired at 7th IB forces in Sitio Fliko, Barangay Balwan on the afternoon of June 15. This was followed by another armed action by Red fighters on June 18 against the 37th IB in Barangay Molon. Two days later, the NPA again attacked the 38th IB in the same village. At least five soldiers died. The number of injured soldiers has yet to be confirmed.

According to the NPA unit’s report, the soldiers formed part of nearly a thousand troops operating in the area. Operating units included the 38th IB, the battalion responsible for CAFGU training and in direct service of DM Consunji Inc. and which guards its logging operations, among others.

The NPA unit also reported that soldiers also suffered 30 casualties (unconfirmed number of killed) in a misencounter between their units on June 18. The NPA is still confirming an initial report that the AFP dropped bombs on their own forces.

In Camarines Sur, NPA Red fighters fired at a 9th ID operating unit in Sitio Balaybayong, Barangay Tanauan, Presentacion last June 15. Three soldiers were killed while eight were wounded.