links: http://www.army.mil.ph/pr/2014/may/020514.html
Government forces in Negros repel NPA atrocious plans
Binalbagan, Negros Occidental –
Government forces under the 11th Infantry “Lapu-Lapu” Battalion
repelled the New People’s Army’s atrocious plans when they clashed with
the NPA 8:50 a.m. today at Brgy Amontay, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental.
Government troops were on community
security patrol in the said barangay when they received report from the
residents of the presence of lawless elements (LLEs) who are reportedly
threatening and intimidating the civilian populace to give in to their
extortion demands.
The encounter resulted to the recovery
of one (1) Cal .357 revolver pistol with six (6) live ammunition,
homemade shotgun with one (1) magazine and two (2) live ammunition and
one (1) backpack containing subversive documents of high intelligence
value.
No reported casualty on the government
forces while the NPA believed to have some wounded as the pursuing
troopers saw bloodstains along the LLEs’ route of withdrawal.
“We acknowledge the efforts of the
residents of Binalbagan, Negros Occidental for providing us the report
and for ensuring that their community is away from any threat and
intimidation of these lawless elements,” Brigadier General Francisco
Patrimonio, Commander of 302nd Brigade said in a statement.
Meanwhile, last April 30, 2014, troops
of Alpha Company, 12th CAFGU Battalion while on community peace and
security patrol also repelled NPA atrocious plans when they encountered
more or less seven (7) lawless armed elements of the CPP-NPA’s Larangang
Gerilya 1, Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros (LG1, KR-N) at Sitio Bulabog 2,
Brgy Tanlad, Tayasan, Negros Oriental.
The twenty (20) seconds encounter
resulted to the recovery of one (1) Cal .45 and one (1) magazine loaded
with six (6) live ammunition.
Last April 3, 2014, troops of 79IB
neutralized the remnant forces of the CPP-NPA in Negros Oriental when
they figured in an encounter at Sitio Makasakasa, Brgy Balayong,
Pamplona, Negros Oriental after receiving report from the civilians on
the presence of lawless elements.
The encounter resulted to the recovery
of six (6) high powered firearms consist of five (5) M16 Rifles, one
attached with M203 grenade launcher, subversive documents and personal
belonging.
Two (2) NPA members were killed in the
encounter while one (1) wounded Jessie Dacaldacal, Squad Leader of Squad
2 and Vice Commanding Officer of Sentro de Grabidad (SDG) Platoon,
Southeast Front, Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros (SEF, KR-N) was captured by
the troops.
Meanwhile, a certain Maribeth Lascunia
recently gave in peacefully to the troops of 79IB after she was
convinced by the soldiers to abandon the armed struggle and live
peacefully with her family.
Lascunia alias Raylin/Antonina was the
Head, Technical of the NPA’s Southeast Front (SEF), KR-N who was wounded
in her left arm during the encounter on April 3. She was given proper
medical attention by the “Masaligan” troopers on her sustained wound and
ensured of her safety and security.
Lascunia is now on the process of
availing the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) of the
provincial government of Negros Oriental for former rebels.
BGen Patrimonio stressed that “These
encounters were the result of reports coming from civilians in the
communities about the presence of lawless armed elements who are
extorting food and supplies and disturbing the peace and development
situation in the countryside. The Army here in Negros is on top of the
situation as this conflict especially here in Negros Oriental is
manageable and on the favor of the government.”
The province of Negros Oriental will be
declared as manageable conflict-affected and development-ready province
on May 7, 2014 after the CPP-NPA is rendered insignificant.
Likewise, the sustained peace and
security operations of the 302nd Brigade with the active support of
Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NOPPO) and the uninterrupted
economic development activities spearheaded by the Provincial Government
of Negros Oriental has successfully denied the recovery and further
expansion efforts of the CPP-NPA in the province.
“We respond to the desire of the people
of Negros to live in a peaceful community away from communist
affectation and once and for all attain just and lasting peace towards a
speedy development of the two provinces in Negros Island,” Major
General Aurelio Baladad, 3ID Commander said in a statement.
Baladad also stressed that “We remain
committed to secure the communities from lawless armed elements and
further intensify our peace and security operations. Together with other
stakeholders in the spirit of Bayanihan, we will pursue our goal for
Western Visayas to be free from insurgency.”
“We call on the other members of the
CPP-NPA to lay down their arms, abandon the armed struggle and live
peacefully together with their families,” Baladad added.
Press Release by the 3ID, PA
PHILIPPINE ARMY
AFP Websites
PROTECTION AND PROMOTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS
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