9ID Commander calls for CTGs to value their lives, return to the folds of law

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 24, 2020): 9ID Commander calls for CTGs to value their lives, return to the folds of law  (By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay)

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur -- 9th Infantry ‘Spear’ Division and Joint Task Force (JTF) Bicolandia Chief BGEN Henry A. Robinson, Jr., called on members of the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) to ‘value their lives and return to the folds of law.’

This is in the wake of the latest clash between CTG members, elements of Police Regional Office 5 (PRO5) and 31st Infantry Battalion (31IB) in Brgy. San Bernardo, Bulusan, Sorsogon province, Tuesday, June 23.

The firefight resulted to the demise of Ian Estrellado, believed to be a leader of CTG.

In a press statement released by Division Public affairs Office (DPAO) thru its Spokesperson, CPT John Paul Belleza, joint elements of PRO5 and 31IB were supposed to serve a warrant of arrest to Ian Estrellado around 11:10 in the morning when the suspect together with armed men believed to be communist terrorists fired at the government troops.

“A brief gunfight ensued between the CTG and the government law enforcers killing Estrellado, who is currently facing a murder case and was positively identified by former rebels as the vice commanding officer of Platoon 1, Larangan 1, Komiteng Probinsya 3 of Bicol Regional Party Committee (BRPC) hiding under the names of Ela and Karding. Recovered from the scene were a carbine with two magazines and a hand grenade,” Belleza added.

No one from the government side was reported hurt during the said encounter.

Nonetheless, BGEN Robinson directed the troops to tighten the security measures in the area as they continue to scan the vicinity for fleeing terrorists.

The Commander assured the Bicolanos that JTF Bicolandia will continue to work hand in hand with other law enforcement agencies to ensure that justice is served to all the victims of CTG atrocities.

"Gayunpaman, muli kaming nananawagan sa mga elemento ng CTG, to value your lives and return to the folds of the law. Kasabay ng ipinatutupad naming intensified military operations ay ang aming pagnanais at layunin na kayo ay tulungan sa pamamagitan ng iba't ibang mga benepisyo at programa ng gobyerno upang kayo ay makapagsimulang muli kasama ang inyong pamilya," BGen. Robinson said in closing. (LSMacatangay, with reports from 9ID DPAO CJPBelleza-PIAV/Camarines Sur)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1045709