Kalinaw News: Gov’t Forces Score Anew; Firearms Seized as Firefight Erupted in Masbate

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 21, 2022): Gov’t Forces Score Anew; Firearms Seized as Firefight Erupted in Masbate



CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur – Combined forces of 2nd Infantry (SECOND TO NONE) Battalion and Philippine National Police (PNP) clashed against more or less ten (10) Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) members at Sitio Malapinggan, Barangay Sawmill, Mobo, Masbate, 6 o’clock in the morning, Wednesday, April 20.

According to the report, a fifteen (15) minute gun battle ensued as the government forces conducted combat and security operations after reports from enranged concerned citizens about the presence of several armed men near their community.

After the encounter, the troops captured high caliber weapons and several essential terroristic stuff to wit: one (1) M653 rifle, two (2) M16 rifles, one (1) grenade, several magazines and ammunition, communication devices, terroristic propaganda materials and CNTs’ personal belongings.

Lieutenant Colonel Siegfried Felipe Awichen, Commander of 2nd Infantry (SECOND TO NONE) Battalion, once again applauded the great contribution of the residents in the campaign against insurgency.

“Malaki ang aking pasasalamat sa mga taong barangay, dahil sa pakikipagtulungan ninyo ay matagumpay nating naitaboy muli ang kalaban at napigilan ang posibleng masamang plano ng mga teroristang ito,” Lt. Col. Awichen said.

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Aldwine I. Almase, Commander of 903rd Infantry (PATRIOT) Brigade, emphasized the great defeat of the CNT after the seizure of their terroristic war materials and the continued repulsion to them by the people.

“Malaking dagok ito sa mga terorista, dahil patuloy na nababawasan ang kanilang mga armas na ginagamit sa pagsasagawa ng karahasan. Patuloy din ang pagsikip ng kanilang ginagalawan dahil itinatakwil na sila ng mga tao sa mga barangay,” Brig. Gen. Almase said.

Moreover, Police Brigadier General Jonnel Estomo, Police Regional Director of Bicol, also highlighted the readiness of the PNP and its unwavering support to the government to end local insurgency.

“Laging handa ang kapulisan upang magbigay ng suporta sa gobyerno sa pagpapaigting ng seguridad kontra sa mga komunistang terorista,” PBGen. Estomo said.

At the same time, Major General Alex Luna, Commander of 9th Infantry (SPEAR) Division, reminded the public to be more vigilant and continue to give timely information regarding the presence and activities of the CNTs especially this election season.

“Huwag po sanang makalimot ang ating mga kababayan na tayo ay nasa Election Period ngayon, kung kailan sinasamantala ng mga makakaliwang grupo ang pagkakataon upang makapangikil sa pamamagitan ng permit to campaign at permit to win sa mga kandidato, ito ang kanilang pamamaraan upang makapanglikom ng pundo para sa kanilang mga terroristic activities. Ang panahon na ito ay paalala sa ating lahat na kailangan natin na mas maging alerto at maingat upang mapigilan ang kanilang pagsasamantala at pagsasagawa ng kaguluhan na pwedeng makaapekto hindi lamang sa eleksyon kundi sa kapayapaan ng ating bayan. Kaya napakaimportante talaga ng inyong agarang impormasyon patungkol sa kinaruruonan at mga aktibidad ng CNT.” Maj. Gen. Luna said.

Last Monday, April 18, an encounter also occurred between the government forces against more or less fifteen (15) CNT members at the boundary of Barangay Buenasuerte and Barangay Lampuyang of Pio V Corpuz, of the same province which resulted in the capture of one (1) M16 rifle, several terroristic propaganda materials and personal belongings of the NPA.

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