8ID scores another encounter in Leyte

By Cpt. CROMWELL I. DANGANAN, (INF) PA
November 26, 2005

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan, Samar  –  In response to the timely information provided by the civilian populace to the 8th Infantry Division (8ID), Philippine Army, another encounter by operating troops of 43rd Infantry Battalion (43IB) under Lt. Col. Raul Farnacio, against an estimated 60 fully armed Communist Terrorists (CTs) occurred on November 24, 2005 at around 8:00 P.M. at vicinity Brgy. Cangumay, Baybay, Leyte. This resulted to the recovery of one M653 (baby armalite) rifle, three magazines for M16, one handheld radio (ICOM), personal belongings and subversive documents with high intelligence value. There were undetermined numbers of casualties on the enemy side as shown on the bloodstains on their route of withdrawal while one soldier identified as Pfc Domingo Cillo was wounded and immediately evacuated to Sogod Hospital in Southern Leyte.

The series of encounters these past weeks indicate that 8ID is in the upper hand in its counter insurgency campaign and that most significantly, it has the support of the people. With this development, the troops are now closing in on the different lairs and sanctuaries of the CTs to prevent their further depredations, extortion and other terroristic acts. The success of these encounters in Baybay and Palo, Leyte are the result of timely information volunteered by the barangay populace which proves the point that civilian support is essential in counter-insurgency operations.

Based on the report forwarded to the 8th Infantry Division, the encountered CTs are fully armed with high powered firearms which include M203 grenade launchers and M60 machine guns. This armed group has in its ranks women and minors. The firefight lasted for around 20 minutes after which the enemy withdrew towards different directions with bloodstains traced along their path. At present, the 43IB is still on pursuit operations against the fleeing rebels some of them are reportedly wounded.

In a related development, the party list Bayan Muna is being blamed by the relatives of the victims in the Palo encounter. Said militant organization is blamed for the deception employed in recruiting their relatives as they were forced into believing that they were fighting a good cause and that they would not be working against the government. “Had they not join Bayan Muna, they should still be alive now”, said the relatives. The CTs in the region are reportedly focusing on their recruitment thru deception and extortion activities to further their cause, victimizing hapless civilians in the process.

Maj. Gen. Bonifacio B. Ramos, the Commanding General of the 8th Infantry Division is calling for the support of the local Chief Executives in Eastern Visayas. The support of the local government units to the Army is an essential ingredient to demolish the CPP/NPA/NDF. He likewise urged civilians to shy away from associating with any dubious organizations which are front of the CPP/NPA/NDF for their own safety. “Don’t be deceived, stay safe,” he said.