Soldiers clash with Reds in Quezon

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 22): Soldiers clash with Reds in Quezon

CAMP GENERAL MATEO CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal – Two soldiers were wounded as government troops clashed with New People’s Army (NPA) communist terrorist group in Macalelon, Quezon province on Friday.

Two soldiers of the 85th Infantry Battalion (85IB) were wounded while an undetermined number of rebels were believed to have perished during the encounter in Sitio Aak Malaki, Barangay Vista Hermosa, Macalelon town.

In a report reaching this camp, Lieutenant Colonel Ely R. Tono, Commanding Officer of 85th IB, said the troops were conducting combat operation in the area to secure the Community Support Program (CSP) of the soldiers and the Local Government Unit (LGU) in the barangay.

Tono said that as the government troops were clearing the area, they chanced upon an undetermined number of NPA rebels. The firefight lasted for bout five minutes.

He reported that two wounded soldiers are now in stable condition after medical treatment.

He added the clash could have resulted in undetermined casualties on the enemy side based on blood stains at the battle site.

Soldiers said the enemies brought along their wounded comrades as they retreated from the clash site.

Tono said the rebels are believed to be members of Platoon 2, Guerilla Unit 2, Sub- Regional Military Area (SRMA) of the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee operating in Quezon.

Brigadier General Elias H. Escarcha, Commander of the 201st (KABALIKAT) Brigade, who has operational jurisdiction over Quezon province, said the troops continue to track the NPA terrorists in the province.

"The NPA now doesn't enjoy the support of the masses. The people already spoke and denounced their atrocities. There's no other way for them but to surrender," Escarcha said.

Meanwhile, Major General Rhoderick Parayno, 2nd ID Commander vowed that soldiers will continue to pursue the retreating enemies.

He said the government troops are continuing their massive pursuit operations against the NPA terrorists as check points are intensified in the area in coordination with the local police.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1048860