Gov't troops rescue abandoned wounded rebel in Sorsogon

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 24, 2021): Gov't troops rescue abandoned wounded rebel in Sorsogon (By Connie Calipay)

Government troops on Tuesday rescued a wounded New People's Army (NPA) rebel who was abandoned by his comrades after a clash with the military in Barangay Marinab, Bulan, Sorsogon.

Captain John Paul Belleza, 9th Infantry Division (9ID) spokesperson, in a statement Wednesday, said soldiers brought the wounded rebel to a hospital.

Belleza said aside from the rescued rebel, an M16 rifle and anti-personnel mine were recovered from the encounter site.

“Firefight lasted for five minutes before the enemies withdrew,” Belleza said.

He said the Joint Task Force Bicolandia’s (JTFB) decisive conduct of security operations in Bicol continues to bring serious impact on the capability of the communist terrorist group (CTG).

Maj. Gen. Henry Robinson Jr., commander of JTFB, lauded the troops for another successful operation and recognized the cooperation of the residents in the Army's fight against communist terrorism.

"Pinapaniwala nila ang mga tao at ang kanilang mga miyembro na sila at ang kanilang ideolohiya ang solusyon sa suliranin ng lipunan. Paano silang makapagbibigay ng solusyon gayong kahit katiting na pagmamalasakit sa kanilang mga kasamahan, wala sila? (They want people and their members to believe that their ideology is the solution to the problem of the society. How can they make solution if they don't even have a little bit of concern for their comrades?),” he said.

Robinson added that when a rebel is injured or dies in an encounter, his comrades abandon him.

“That is why we are relentless in our efforts to end this five-decade armed struggle because we do not want the Filipinos, especially the Bicolanos to sacrifice their lives, their future and the future of their families in this hopeless cause. To the remaining CTG members and even to some who are still supporting this terrorist group, it is about time that you join hands with the government as we put an end to this insurgency. Our children and the next generation deserve an armed conflict-free region," he said.

It can be recalled that last week, five high-powered firearms were seized in two successful operations in Masbate and Sorsogon while several CTG members and supporters in Bicol have surrendered to the government.

JTF Bicolandia attributed these gains to the growing support of the peace-loving Bicolanos and expressed confidence that genuine peace and sustainable development will soon be achieved in the region.

The NPA, along with the Communist Party of the Philippines, are listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1131711