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8ID scores again in Leyte
By Cpt. CROMWELL I. DANGANAN, (INF) PA
November
22, 2005
CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan,
Samar – On November 21, 2005 at around 5:30 a.m. one (1) platoon from 19IB
under Maj. Lope Dagoy, responding on a report from the civilian populace
regarding the presence of an armed group in the area, encountered an
estimated 40 Communist Terrorists (CTs) at vicinity Brgy San Agustin, Palo,
Leyte. The encounter started when the troops were fired upon by the
suspected CTs which lasted 45 minutes and resulted to the recovery of one
M16 rifle with SN 394675, one Carbine rifle with SN 482456, two shotguns,
two Cal .38 revolvers, two Motorola handheld radios, one camera, two medical
kits, and subversive documents with high intelligence value. Ten CTs were
killed, nine were wounded and eight were captured including one minor. Also
recovered from the scene of the encounter were eight rounds empty shells for
M14, six rounds empty shells for M16 and 19 rounds empty shells for carbine
rifle. No government troops were injured.
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Photo shows LtGen. Teodosio, Commander AFP Central Command, MajGen.
Ramos, 8ID Commanding General and Col. Fernando, 802nd Brigade
Commanding Officer, along with the recovered firearms and equipment. |
The encounter is a result of
the reports made by the local residents thereat complaining about the
extortion and harassment acts of the CTs in their areas. These are also in
confirmation of the information volunteered by the NPA surrenderees who are
cooperating well with the government authorities as they are already fed up
of the broken promises of good life as promised by CPP/NPA leaders.
This information is a clear
manifestation that the Philippine Army has the support of the people
contrary to the claims of the CTs. With this development, the troops are now
closing in on the different havens of the CTs so they could not continue
with their extortion and terroristic acts.
There was no violation of
the Rules of Engagement as the troops arrived at the area at around 3:00
a.m. and immediately noticed armed elements among the group but hesitated to
fire due to the possible presence of civilians. At around 5:30 a.m., as the
troops were slowly creeping towards the location of the armed group, they
were fired upon by the latter causing the firefight which lasted 45 minutes.
After the firefight, the troops identified the wounded and immediately
rushed them to the nearest hospital for medical attention. Initially there
were nine fatalities but one of the wounded expired at the hospital.
Maj. Gen. Bonifacio B.
Ramos, the Commanding General of the 8th Infantry Division is expecting more
engagements with the CTs as he directed all subordinate units to conduct
continuous operations against the CPP/ NPA in order to protect the civilian
populace from their terroristic acts.
On the other hand, General
Ramos is calling all CPP/NPA members to bring down their firearms, return to
the folds of the law and live a peaceful life.
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