Army's post Ulysses responders track, encounter NPAs in Quezon

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 17, 2020): Army's post Ulysses responders track, encounter NPAs in Quezon (By PA 2ID PDAO) 

CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal, Nov 16 (PIA) --Combined elements from the Army's 1st and 80th Infantry Battalion who were dispatched for 'Post-Ulysses' response tracked and encountered NPA terrorists in General Nakar, Quezon on Sunday, November 15.

Based on the reports from the field, the encounter against more or less seven NPA terrorists erupted at Sitio Madulas in Barangay Pagsangahan around 9:15 in the morning.

BGen Alex Rillera, Commander of the 202nd Brigade said his soldiers were organized and performing post-disaster response effort after the onslaught of Ulysses when they encountered the terrorists.

"These ragtag band of armed opportunists engaged by the soldiers were on their way to beg food from the locals as they were also affected by the recent typhoons. We could have also given these terrorists relief goods if they asked for it instead of compelling the poor and vulnerable typhoon-stricken locals to provide the provisions for them."

Rillera reported no casualty was recorded on the part of the security forces.

It can be recalled that last Thursday, soldiers of the 85th Infantry Battalion who were also en route for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) engaged rebels belonging to STRPC’s Platun Sol and Platun Japson in Macalelon, Quezon.

MGen Greg T Almerol, Commander of the 2nd Infantry "Jungle Fighter" Division denounced the actions of the terrorists whose intent is to sow terror and further their terroristic plans against our people amid calamities.

"Their act of attacking our soldiers further solidifies the truth that these NPA terrorists are not really for the people. We are still helping our fellowmen who were devastated by the recent typhoon that hit our part of the country not even a week ago, and yet these rebels are continuing to endanger the lives of the people who they claim they are for."

Almerol assured citizens that the troops are committed to their mandate to protect and serve our people whatever, whenever, and wherever.

He then called on the last of the remaining NPA terrorists to peacefully surrender and return to the folds of the law, avail the benefits from E-CLIP before it's too late.

Joint AFP-PNP checkpoints have been established in the area to support the ongoing pursuit operations against the fleeing terrorists.

All available military assets have been placed on high alert. (PIA-4A/PA 2ID DPAO)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1059029