Gov't Troops Overrun CTG's Hideout in Masbate clash

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 6, 2020): Gov't Troops Overrun CTG's Hideout in Masbate clash (By 9ID DPAO) 

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur -- Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Masbate continues to suffer heavy losses as joint forces of the Army and PNP intensify and maintain the momentum of operations in the island province.

Two days after the armed encounter in Mandaon where three communist NPA terrorists (CNTs) were killed, another armed clash broke out between these terrorists and the combined elements of 2nd Infantry Battalion (2IB) and the PNP in Brgy. Piña, San Jacinto town at around 11AM, Thursday, October 1.

Tip-off from the residents about the presence of armed group in the area prompted government troops to conduct security operations and encountered at least 12 CNTs.

After a 5-minute firefight, government troops were able to overrun the enemies' hideout while the communist terrorists fled towards unknown directions.

No one was harmed on the government side, but still undetermined casualties on the part of the NPA.

Captured from the encounter site were M653 rifle and several terroristic propaganda materials.

The hideout on the other hand is composed of five huts which can accommodate at least 30 persons.

LTC Siegfried Felipe Awichen, 2IB's Battalion Commander thanked the residents for their support to the government law enforcers highlighting that this is a manifestation that Masbateños are long tired and fed up of the CTG's deceptions, atrocities and terrorism.

Meanwhile, MGEN HENRY A ROBINSON JR PA, Commander of Joint Task Force Bicolandia stressed that with the collaborative efforts between the government and the people, local communist insurgency will soon face its natural death.

"Wala ng kawala sa atin ang mga communist terrorists na ito kaya tuloy-tuloy na ang kanilang paghina hanggang sa lubusan ng matapos ang armadong tunggalian. We have warned them already to return to the folds of the law or else, they will be just wasting their precious lives in this useless cause because our operations will only get more and more decisive and extensive. Wala na silang tatakbuhan o pagtataguan lalo na at katuwang natin sa kampanya ang mga Bicolano upang tapusin na ang local communist insurgency," MGen. Robinsond added. (CPTJPBelleza-9ID DPAO)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1055210