The New People’s Army (NPA)-Mindoro (Lucio de Guzman Command) frustrated the 76th IB and 203rd IBde attack on their unit in Sitio Camilian, Barangay Bugtong na Tuog, Socorro, Oriental Mindoro on November 18. The Red army’s active defense killed two soldiers and injured many.

NPA-Mindoro spokesperson Ka Madaay Gasic said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) failed to achieve its delusional target of crushing the NPA. In the recent battle, the Red fighters bravely fought before safely retreating, enraging the 76th IB.

To cover up shameful defeat, the 76th IB falsely accused and harassed the civilian popultion in the nearby communities. The soldiers imposed a food blockade and implemented a lockdown on the barangay and surrounding areas. The Mobile Community Support Program Operation (MCSPO, formerly RCSPO) encamped in the barangay to continue terrorizing, suppressing, surveilling, and controlling the movements of residents, whom they accuse of being supporters of the NPA.

The 203rd IBde units have intensified their combat operations in many Mindoro towns in a desperate attempt to attain “victories” before the end of 2024. In response, the NPA-Mindoro declared their determination to fight the 203rd IBde and frustrate its attacks.

“This challenges the [Red fighters] to strengthen and fight more determinedly, improve their skills, tactics, and techniques to become more effective in engaging the enemy and repelling these bandits,” Ka Madaay said. He added that this can be achieved by strengthening the unity between the Mindoro people and the people’s army to combat the fascism sown by the 203rd Brigade and the police.