8ID foils terrorist attack

By CMO Battalion, 8ID PA
January 4, 2011

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan, Samar  –  Member of the notorious New People’s Army (NPA) was killed in an early morning encounter with the troops of the Army’s 34th Infantry Battalion in the periphery of Brgy. Mahanud of the interior municipality of Matuguinao, Samar 1:30 a.m. today few hours after the culmination of the holiday truce.

According to the report, 34IB received information from some civilian residents in Matuguinao that a group of heavily armed men are extorting food stuffs and consolidating in that area, and planning to harass the isolated detachment in San Jose de Panaugan, the last barangay of Gandara before Matuguinao.

Tipsters further revealed that the harassment will be carried out to welcome the termination of the government’s declaration of cease fire.  It can be remembered that cease fire has started last December 16, 2010 and ended in the eve of January 3 to give time for the holiday festivities.

To preempt such another terrorist deed that will demoralize the new hope of the peace-loving people this new year, the commanding officer of 34IB Lieutenant Colonel William Peňafiel sent out some of his troops to assure that terrorist could no longer execute their evil plans.

It then resulted to an exchange of fires between the two groups that caused to the killing of an unidentified NPA terrorist and hurting a CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA) identified as CAA Duran.  Mahanud is just a 30-minute hike from the town proper of Matuguinao at an estimated 7 kilometer distance.  Also seized from the rebel group are one (1) M16 rifle, personal belongings and other war items.

The cadaver of the slain rebel is still in the area as of press time while the wounded CAA, is now in Tacloban City and undergoing surgical operations.

Meanwhile, Major General Chan, 8ID’s commander has already commended his troops for proactively foiling and thwarting the supposed enemy’s attack.

“This feat is another manifestation of how dedicated our troops are in protecting the people against these groups that sow terror to our peace loving Samarenos”.

He once again recognized the unwavering support of our people.  According to him, the incident could count that insurgency cannot be totally obliterated by a mere military solution.  Thorough collaboration between the civilians and the soldiers is needed.

“As I was saying in the past, this feat can be attributed to our people because our services can just be fully carried out if our people’s concern remains to be on top, not just for our soldiers, but for themselves too,” he says.

Troops are still in the area to assure that the terrorists could not make any volatile assault both to the civilian and to the government forces after foiling their attack.

Meanwhile, he further stated that the 8ID is very much firmed to sue those who do not show intention to cooperate with the government and keep on staging chaos to the people while the government is also pitiful to give another chance to those who really wanted to re-experience the life in the open.