43rd Infantry (SEARCHERS) Battalion scores! 16 firearms recovered, 6 NPAs captured, one killed

By 2Lt. LORIELYN P. CASEM (SC) PA
November 21, 2005

SOGOD, Southern Leyte  – The All Soul’s day encounter between the Evelyn Dublin Command (EDC) and the 43rd Infantry Battalion (43IB) almost decimated the Communist Terrorist (CT) group in the 5th District of Leyte.

In his report to MGen. Bonifacio B. Ramos (Commanding General, 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army) and Col. Pedro D. Fernando (Commanding Officer of 802nd Infantry Brigade, 8ID, PA), LtC. Raul M. Farnacio, Commanding Officer of the 43rd Infantry Battalion, 8ID, PA, disclosed that at about 11:20 in the morning of November 2, his troops encountered more or less twenty (20) fully armed CTs at vicinity Bgy. Maslog, Baybay, Leyte. Firefight lasted for about 30 minutes inflicting undetermined casualties on the enemy side while one was slightly wounded from the government troops.

The encounter yielded to the recovery of one (1) claymore mine, one (1) US Cal .22 rifle, one (1) Cal .45 pistol, one (1) rifle grenade, two (2) ICOM radios, M16 magazines and ammunitions, two (2) cellular phones, medical equipment and subversive documents with high intelligence value. A day later, while in pursuit of the enemy, government troops apprehended two (2) CT Members; one (1) believed to be a squad leader of the CT armed group and simultaneously recovered two (2) high powered M16 rifles, five (5) magazines and a sniper’s scope.

Three days after the encounter, the government troops discovered seven (7) homemade shotguns wrapped in a sack at the vicinity of the CTs’ temporary encampment. Then on November 8, troops recovered a dead body that was identified as CT member Maricris Lina alias Kaying who was reportedly wounded during the encounter. It was learned that alias Kaying was left crying for help to her group but they fled and ran for their lives. She was 14 years old when recruited and 17 when she died - a clear manifestation of the CPP/NPA’s recruitment of minors which is a gross violation of Human Rights.

As the pursuit operations continued, the troops recovered another three high powered M16 rifles and two homemade shotguns near the vicinity where the encounter occurred. It was believed that the recovered firearms were kept by the fleeing CTs during their escape after the encounter.

In an interview with the surrendered CTs, they revealed that the barangay populace no longer provides them any support that most of the time they opt to steal root crops and ripe bananas for survival. They added that there are now only 18 remaining members left in their group that most of them are thinking of returning to the government’s fold due to the broken promises made by their leaders.

With these new developments, LtC. Farnacio encouraged the civilian populace to continue supporting the Philippine Army in its fight to finally put an end to the CTs as evidenced by the firefight on All Soul’s day that almost decimated the remaining members of Evelyn Dublin Command (EDC). He said that the information given by the civilian populace was an essential element in tracking down the CTs anywhere they hide. He further urged the barangay folks to continue rejecting the armed group and denying them of any support. These, he said, will lead to the complete neutralization of the CPP/NPA members in a matter of time.

MGen. Ramos has these to say to the armed group, “Maricris died because of your recruitment, she could have finished her studies and have a good future. The government offers you a new life, your Army in Southern Leyte and 5th District of Leyte welcomes you, lay down your arms and surrender for good.  Let us work together for unity and peace.”