Army encounters NPA
extortionists in Leyte
By 1Lt. MARIO JOSE M. CHICO, (QMS) PA
November
28, 2006
CAMP LUKBAN,
Catbalogan, Samar – ‘We are fed up of the abuses of the NPA’s!”
These were the words
from the residents of Brgy Taglalawigan that made them cooperate fully
with the Army troopers from the 8th Infantry Division of Philippine
Army that resulted to the encounter of the government troops with the
NPA extortionists on November 24, 2006 at about 10:50 a.m. at vicinity
Sitio Surosimbahan, Brgy Taglalawigan of San Isidro, Leyte.
Through the power of
modern technology, text messages from concerned citizens of said
community reached the Headquarters of 19th Infantry Battalion based in
Kananga, Leyte that immediately reacted to the call for help of the
populace. Accordingly, the NPA terrorists have been making a hay day
extorting rice and money from the residents of the said barangay under
the guise of ‘Revolutionary Tax”.
Guided by the
information given by the concerned residents, a platoon of Army
troopers conducted combat operations aimed to neutralize the NPA
terrorists lurking in the area. While on patrol in the target area,
they chanced upon a group of more or less twenty (20) fully armed NPAs
and a running gun battle ensued. After 25 minutes of firefight, the
terrorists ran away from the battle leaving behind their dead comrade.
Maj. Gen. Rodrigo F.
Maclang, the Commanding General of the 8th Infantry Division,
Philippine Army, commended the operating troops of the 19th Infantry
Battalion for the successful conduct of security operations that
benefited the people of Northern Leyte province. He likewise extended
his appreciation to the people of Brgy Taglalawigan for the trust and
confidence they have bestowed to the Army. With the Army and the
people working together, we will be able to achieve the lasting peace
conducive to development in the region that every Leyteños is dreaming
of.
