Task Force Davao declares Sitio Utan safe, more soldiers sent to far-flung villages

DAVAO CITY, Oct. 8 (PNA) -- Task Force Davao has declared safety in Sitio Utan, Barangay Tamayong, Calinan District, this city a week after the military and the New People's Army (NPA) clashed in the area.

Col. Oscar Lactao, TFD chief said they have visited the residents of Sitio Utan where 10 families affected by the recent encounter were temporarily evacuated to neighboring sitios.

"We have told them that it is already safe to return home. The encounter was very far from their residences," Lactao said.

In the recent encounter, five rebels were killed while scores were wounded during a battle between government troops and suspected members of the NPA rebels in Tamayong, Calinan last Sept. 26.

Military reports showed that TFD elements along with the police responded to reports of the presence of armed men in Sitio Utan.

The soldiers encountered the group of rebels under NPA's Front Committee 54 led by a certain Kumander Bobby.

Authorities recovered Garand rifles, one M16 rifle, and subversive documents at the clash site.

Hot pursuit operation against the rebels is still ongoing.

On the other hand, At least 207 members of the Special Operations Team of Task Force deployed in the far-flung area of the city’s Buhangin District where the presence of another rebel group has been reported.

Lactao said the deployment of the 207 men-strong will be used to break up the presence of the rebels in the area.

"If unable to dismantle, at least minimize their hold on the area," Lactao said.

The far-off area of the Buhangin District, which shares a common border with the hinterland districts of Paquibato and Marilog, are known to be strongholds of a rebel group and is also reported to be the base camp of notorious NPA Commander Parago.

The Special Operations Team, which will be deployed in the Buhangin District, has just come from its training in the upland portions of Toril District.