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.

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.