2 rebels killed, 12 high-powered guns seized in CamSur clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 19, 2021): 2 rebels killed, 12 high-powered guns seized in CamSur clash (By Connie Calipay)

RECOVERED. Photo shows the 12 high-powered firearms recovered after a clash between the New People’s Army (NPA) and government troops in Barangay Bongalon, Sagñay, Camarines Sur on Monday (July 19, 2021). Maj. Gen. Henry Robinson Jr., commander of Joint Task Force Bicolandia, lauded the troops for landing another big blow on the communist terrorist group's already waning capability both in firepower and manpower. (Photo courtesy of 9th Infantry Division, PA)

Two New People's Army (NPA) rebels were killed while 12 high-powered firearms were seized after a firefight with government forces in Barangay Bongalon, Sagñay, Camarines Sur on Monday.

Capt. John Paul Belleza, 9th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office chief, said elements of the 83rd Infantry Battalion (83IB) together with the Philippine National Police (PNP) operatives encountered at least 20 communist terrorist group (CTG) members.

"Intense firefight between the two forces broke out and lasted for 30 minutes before the enemies left in haste. Two communist NPA terrorists (CNTs) were killed while 12 high-powered firearms comprised of eight M16, two M14, and two M653 rifles, ammunition, magazines, and personal belongings were seized from the encounter site," Belleza said in a statement.

Lt. Col. Clark Dalumbar, commander of the 83rd Infantry Battalion, said troops received a report from some residents about CNTs trying to recruit new members which prompted them to scour the area.

"Nagpapasalamat tayo sa mga residente ng Sagñay na nagparating ng impormasyong ito lalo na sa mga magulang. Dahil dito, napigilan natin ang CTG na makapanlinlang na naman ng mga inosenteng sibilyan at ng mga kabataan. Nawa po ay patuloy kayong makipagtulungan sa amin para supilin ang terorismo ng CTG. (We are thankful to the residents of Sagñay who gave us the information. Because of this, we were able to stop the CTG from deceiving innocent civilians and the youth. We hope that you will continue to cooperate with us in stopping the terrorism of the CTG)," Dalumbar said.

Col. Jaime Abawag Jr., commander of the 902nd Infantry Brigade, warned the CTG that with the relentless joint operations of the Army and PNP, they are left with no other choice but to surrender.

"Ayaw naman namin na may namamatay sa mga labanan pero kapag hindi kayo nagbalik-loob sa pamahalaan, kamatayan ang naghihintay sa inyo. Paliit na ng paliit ang inyong mundo dahil isinusumbong na kayo ng mga tao sa otoridad. Kung ayaw ninyong masayang ang inyong buhay, bumaba kayo sa bundok dahil bukas ang pinto ng gobyerno para tulungan kayong magbagong-buhay. (We don't want another life to be wasted, but if you will not surrender, death is waiting for you. Your world is becoming smaller because the people are reporting your presence to the authorities. If you don't want your life to be wasted, return to the fold of the government, which will help you start a new life)," he said.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo, regional director of Police Regional Office, said the interoperability of the Army and police plays a significant role in sustaining the gains against the CTG.

"Ang hanay ng kapulisan ay mananatiling katuwang ng kasundaluhan sa pagtunton sa kinaroroonan ng mga teroristang ito habang pinuprotektahan ang publiko sa kanilang mga desperadong hakbang. (Our police force is with our Army in fighting against the terrorists to protect the lives of the public)," he said.

Maj. Gen. Henry Robinson Jr., commander of Joint Task Force (JTF) Bicolandia, lauded the troops for landing another big blow on the CTG's already waning capability both in firepower and manpower.

Last Feb. 1, the 83IB also launched a successful operation against the CTG in Barangay Toytoy, Garchitorena, Camarines Sur where four CTG members were killed while 10 high-powered firearms were seized.

Also, 19 CTG members, 18 of them minors, yielded to the combined troops of the Army and PNP on July 17.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1147598