By Raydes B. Barcia
Legazpi City – Soldiers in Bicol scored against the government’s enemy after five members of the communist guerillas were killed in a military encounter at Gujom village, Cawayan town in the island province of Masbate yesterday, Army Capt. Frank Roldan, spokesman of the Army’s 9th Infantry Division based in Pili, Camarines Sur.
Roldan said that soldiers under the 2nd Infantry Battalion were conducting a security patrol after the residents in Gujom village, Cawayan town tipped off the presence of an armed group.
Photos courtesy by Army’s 9th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office
The armed men suddenly opened fire against the government forces resulting in the 20-minute exchange of fire.
After the fierce firefight, Roldan said that five members of the New People’s Army were killed in the encounter.
Aside from five casualties, Roldan said that there were also wounded in the communist guerillas.
Killed were Rufino Alba alias, Kaloy, commanding officer, Platoon 1, Larangan 2, Komiteng Probinsya 4. Biroc Noynay alias Marjon, Jerome Sabang, Patrocenio Aton, and Reneboy Versaga all members of Platoon 1, Larangan 2, Komiteng Probinsya 4. While wounded in the encounter was Jimuel Naraja with aliases as Angel/Highblood also a member of Platoon 1, Larangan 2, Komiteng Probinsya 4.
Photos courtesy by Army’s 9th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office
Roldan said that three communist guerilla sympathizers were also captured which include Diosdado Riveral, Ricardo Capangpangan and Steve Riveral.
According to AFP Public Affairs Office chief Col. Jorry Baclor, the troops encountered an estimated 20 NPAs in that area.
“In the 20-minute encounter, five NPAs were killed, and four rebels captured, including one wounded; while no one was hurt on the military side,” the 9th Infantry Division public affairs chief said.
Soldiers also recovered six high-powered firearms which include the AK47, five M16 rifles within the encounter site and other NPA’s equipment and personal belongings.
As of press time, the government forces are still going after the rebels who were able to escape the encounter site.
The Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB), according to the military regional spokesman, is closely watching the provinces of Sorsogon and Masbate to eradicate the presence of terrorist groups.
Major General Adonis Bajao, commander of the 9th Infantry (Spear) Division, Philippine Army and Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB) urged the rebels to give up their guns to be with their family and be back in the mainstream to live a peaceful life.
“We’re saddened by this kind of news but we cannot discount the threat of terrorism especially that this will affect the community. We are urging our brothers in the New People’s Army to surrender, cooperate with the government and to be with their families for them to live a peaceful life,” Bajao said. (Raydes B. Barcia)