By Francis Wakefield Troops of the Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion encountered about 10 New People's Army (NPA) terrorists in Agusan del Norte on Saturday. A military report disclosed that the encounter took place in Purok 7, Barangay Lower Olave, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, at about 11:50 a.m. It was learned that troops of the 23rd IB were responding to reports of concerned civilian residents about the presence in their barangay of armed men believed to be Communist rebels. (PHOTO COURTESY OF 4TH INFANTRY DIVISION / MANILA BULLETIN) Lt. Col. Francisco L. Molina Jr., commander of the 23rd IB, immediately dispatched troops to check on the information. Upon reaching the area, the troops chanced upon about 10 fully-armed rebels, triggering a firefight that lasted for about five minutes. The terrorists then escaped. Upon securing the area, the government troops recovered two carbine M1 rifles, a cal.22 pistol, an anti-personnel mine armed with blasting cap, 30 meters electrical wires, three cartridges of 40mm, HE, a hand grenade, three UHF commercial radios (Cignus), three magazines for carbine rifles, 350 rounds of live ammunition for carbine rifles, five cellphones, two binoculars, a monocular, a sniper scope and seven pack bags containing hammock, personal belongings and subversive documents. Meanwhile, Molina expressed his gratitude to the concerned citizens of Barangay Lower Olave, Buenavista for providing timely information about the presence of armed rebels in the area. "Through the cooperation of the civilian stakeholders, we were able to save lives by thwarting the hostile plans of the terrorists in using the prohibited anti-personnel mines which can victimize even ordinary civilians," Molina said. "We encourage the NPA members to abandon armed struggle and go back to the folds of the government, live a peaceful life together with their families and loved ones. Our government is open to help you," he added.