Gov’t troops encounter lawless elements in Dinas

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 30): Gov’t troops encounter lawless elements in Dinas

LtCol. Virgilio Hamos Jr., commanding officer of the 53rd Infantry (Matapat) Battalion, Philippine Army said government troops conducting hot pursuit operation in Barangay East Migpulao, Dinas town encountered a group of heavily armed men on Saturday.

In an interview over RMN DXPR, the army official said the soldiers led by 2Lt Oliver Carmen were conducting hot pursuit operation to track down lawless elements who ambushed an army vehicle in Barangay Guinicolalay in Dinas town on November 21.

Killed during the previous encounter was 2Lt. Joseph Cartajena while 3 soldiers were wounded. 

Hamos said a brief fire fight ensued between the troops and the armed men which resulted to the death of Norhan Ambol, the alleged leader of the group who was responsible for the November 21 ambush.

The dead body of Ambol which was turned over to the municipal police station on Sunday was confirmed by his family and relatives.

During the incident, another member of the armed men reportedly died and some were wounded. No casualty was reported on the government side.

“I am happy that there were no casualties on our side,” Hamos announced.

He also said that the unidentified dead body was brought by  their enemies and only the body of Ambol was recovered.

“The people were happy upon learning that Ambol was already dead,” Hamos said adding that the insurgents could no longer disturb the peace that residents are enjoying now.

He encouraged the civilian community to extend their support to the government forces by giving information on the presence of insurgents in their respective barangays.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1371480424792/gov-t-troops-encounter-lawless-elements-in-dinas