Camp Downes, Ormoc City – Some 20 members of terrorist New People’s Army (NPA) operating in the province of Leyte were encountered by the Army’s 78th Infantry Battalion in Sitio Mat-i, Brgy Antipolo of Albuera town around 4:30 p.m. yesterday, March 8 following the tip from the civilian.
Based on the report reaching this headquarters, troops of Second Lieutenant Vinluan were conducting routine security patrol in the area when an undisclosed civilian approached them and reported that some armed men who plans to conduct extortion activities in their barangay were seen in the place quite distant from their location.
The troops then diverted their routes towards the place being guided by the said civilian until encounter transpired. Exchange of fires lasted for about 30 minutes before the terrorist fled bringing along with them their wounded comrades.
One soldier was reported hurt in the side of the government forces while it is still being determined on the enemy side as of press time. Only excessive bloodstains that stained in the area of encounter were left when the troops pursued.
Meanwhile, Colonel John Bonafos, the 802nd Brigade’s commander commended the troops for successfully thwarting the enemy’s extortion to the people.
“Such gallant feat of our troops is a clear manifestation of their dedication to duty in protecting the people against the threat groups that will sow terror to the peace loving Samarenos”.
He said that another NPA plan was thwarted due to the unwavering support of our people. It only proves that insurgency could not be totally expunged by a mere military solution. It needs a thorough collaboration between the civilians and the soldiers.
Colonel Bonafos also condemns in the strongest possible terms the continuous blatant violation of the terrorist NPA on human rights and international humanitarian law in making the people as their “milking cow.”
“The extortion activity was already condemned by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) as extreme violation of people’s rights. This terrorist act is a clear manifestation of ill-respect to the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), a total abuse of our people’s right that is deemed condemnable in the strongest possible terms,” declares Colonel Bonafos.
“We challenge the different human rights advocates who always create noise over the violation of human rights to come out and eventually condemn this undoubtedly human rights violation and stop extorting food supplies and money from the people,” says Colonel Bonafos.
“We would like also to recognize the heroism paid for by our comrade-in-arms who died in the true spirit of peace and democracy. The highest regards of our people and our Armed Forces will be bestowed upon him. Although sad to note, my deepest condolences to the loved ones left by Private Jonie Briones,” vows Colonel Bonafos.
Troops of 802nd Brigade are still in the area to pursue the fleeing terrorist and let them face the consequences of their illegal acts and be charged with the full force of the law. ###
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