Eastmincom official lauds troops for keeping rebels at bay

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 22): Eastmincom official lauds troops for keeping rebels at bay

A top military commander lauded the troops who repelled the attacks of armed men in Sitio Green Hills, Barangay Bagong Silang, Laak, Compostela Valley around 6:45 p.m. Thursday.

Lt. General Ricardo Rainier Cruz, commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) lauded the members of the 60th Infantry Battalion for keeping the rebels at bay.

He also directed the soldiers to continue the security operation in their respective areas to protect the residents from the extortion activities, threats, intimidation and harassment of the rebels.

“Protect the people from threats and intimidation by the rebels,” Cruz said.

One rebel was killed in the latest encounter between the soldiers and the rebels.

Soldiers recovered one body, one Garand rifle, four back packs and several improvised explosive devices during the encounter.

Earlier, the soldiers conducted a pursuit operation after two armed razed heavy equipment in Sitio Kob-aw, Barangay Kiokmay also in Laak.

The rebels escaped towards Barangay New Bethlehem.

Meantime, the rebels also attacked a detachment of the Alpha Company, 71st IB in Barangay Elizalde, Compostela Valley, Tuesday morning.

No casualty was reported in the incident.

Pursuit operations in two separate areas are ongoing.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=589587