Kalinaw News: Soldiers rescue abandoned and wounded NPA member after an encounter in Sorsogon

From Kalinaw News (Feb 23, 2021): Soldiers rescue abandoned and wounded NPA member after an encounter in Sorsogon



CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur-The Joint Task Force Bicolandia’s (JTFB) decisive conduct of security operations in Bicol continues to bring serious impact to the already waning capability of the NPA.

In the recent successful military engagement initiated by the elements of 22nd Infantry Battalion against the terrorist group in Barangay Marinab, Bulan, Sorsogon, one NPA terrorist was wounded and an M16 rifle and anti-personnel mine were seized from the encounter site.

Prior to this, residents reported about the presence of CNTs attempting to conduct extortion and recruitment activities in their barangay prompting the troops to verify the information.

While scouring the area, troops encountered an undetermined number of CTG members around 10:50 in the morning, Tuesday, February 23. Firefight lasted for five minutes before the enemies withdrew.

Aside from the said firearm and explosive, an abandoned wounded CNT was rescued by the soldiers and given medical assistance. Lt. Col. Nelson Mico, Battalion Commander of 22IB stressed that as peacekeepers, soldiers are trained to help and fend people even if they are enemies.

Meanwhile, MGEN HENRY A ROBINSON JR PA, Commander of JTFB lauded the troops’ 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? When their comrades die in an encounter, they abandon them. When they got injured, they also abandon them. That is why we are relentless in our efforts to end this 5-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,” MGen. Robinson said.

It can be recalled that last week, five high powered firearms were also seized from two successful operations in Masbate and Sorsogon while NPA members and supporters are continuously yielding to the government in all parts of Bicol.

JTF Bicolandia attributed these gains to the growing support of the peace-loving Bicolanos and expressed its confidence that indeed, genuine peace and sustainable development is achievable.

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https://www.kalinawnews.com/soldiers-rescue-abandoned-and-wounded-npa-member-after-an-encounter-in-sorsogon/