DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Aug 8):
SUSTAINED OPERATIONS | 95IB overrun CNT camp in Isabela, recovered five firearms
CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Gamu, Isabela (DWDD) – Troops under 95th Infantry Battalion overran a Communist-New Peoples’ Army-Terrorist (CNT) encampment guarded by more or less 20 CNT members after almost two hours of the fire fight at Brgy San Miguel, Echague, Isabela, around 12’ noon on Tuesday, August 7, 2018.
No casualty on the government side, while the enemy believed to have sustained casualties, but managed to be hauled by their fleeing comrades.
The operating troops recovered from the encounter site the following: five M16 Rifles; two bandoleers with magazines for M16; two Rifle Grenades; three Improvised Explosive Device; four detonating cords; seven blasting caps; one handheld radio; one chain saw; seven backpacks with personal belongings; two cell phones; assorted medicines and medical paraphernalia and subversive documents.
According to Lt Col NolitoAQuemi, Battalion Commander, 95IB, his troops were given information that a camp of the CNT was located nearby their location. “Our troops were approaching the target area when fired upon by the CNT. We manage to outflank the CNT and eventually overrun their encampment. They might carry their wounded comrades when they retreat, but they will not go far away. We expect to recover CNT bodies as we continue our operations.” Lt Col Quemi, said.
BGen Bartolome Vicente R BacarroJr, Commander, 502nd Infantry Brigade, who supervised the operations, said that, “the information leading to the successful operations came from the people where the teams of Community Support Program (CSP) are being deployed. The people tipped the CNT location because they were already tired with the presence of the CNT in their Barangay. We appreciated their courage and support.”
Meanwhile, Maj Gen Perfecto M RimandoJr, Commander, 5th Infantry Division commended the troops of the 95IB for their successful operation. “I commend the professionalism displayed by the troops of 95IB leading to the encounter,” he said.
“Our good relationship with the people are now bearing fruit. The surrender of 39 CNT- Militia ng Bayan (MB) and supporters from their former mass based on the past days, and now, this decisive encounter will inspire us to work even more to end the problem of terrorism in our jurisdiction.” Maj Gen RimandoJr, added.
“We also appeal to the rebels and their supporters in the area to help us help their wounded comrades. Our differences in ideologies should not prevent us from helping each other. Just send message to our troops and we will help your comrades get necessary medical attention. We are all Filipinos, remember that.” Maj Gen RimandoJr further said.
The 5ID remained committed to its vow to support and assist those CNT members who wish to surrender, and use all its resources to apply the hands of the law to those who still wishes to fight. 95IB / 5DPAO / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/08/08/sustained-operations-95ib-overrun-cnt-camp-in-isabela-recovered-five-firearms/
