2 rebels captured in NPA attacks

By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

LEGAZPI CITY (PIA) –Communist insurgents continued to attack military targets in Bicol amid dwindling support from the mass base of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG).

The latest of at least three CTG attacks in Bicol was Monday’s (May 1, Labor Day) encounter at Barangay Pinamihagan, Lagonoy, Camarines Sur, where two rifles were seized by the government troops.

After a 15-minute firefight with government forces, the CTG members retreated and fled to various directions, abandoning their firearms, including an M653 rifle, a KG9, a backpack, and seditious documents, according to a press release from the 9th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO).

A day earlier, the CTG carried out simultaneous attacks in Barangay Dap-dap in Uson, Masbate and Garchitorena in Camarines Sur.

DPAO Chief Major Frank Roldan said residents promptly alerted the army regarding the presence of armed men in their area. The tip-off led the 2nd Infantry Battalion to a CTG hideout in Dapdap where a 10-minute firefight ensued with more or less 13 CTG members.

“Based on account of the residents, the CTG members were able to get away and scamper to different directions after they were used as ‘human shields’ to dissuade soldiers from firing,” Roldan said.

No civilian or government soldier was hurt in the encounter.

Government troops recovered several CTG materials including an anti-personnel mine, an improvised hand grenade, 82 live bullets of M16 rifle, and subversive documents.

On the same day, the 83rd Infantry Battalion encountered CTG members in Garchitotena, Camarines Sur. As a result, two CTG members surrendered.

Assorted firearms, subversive documents, and ammunition were recovered from the encounter.

Joint Task Force Bicolandia and 9ID Commander Major General Adonis Bajao has urged CTG members to surrender and take advantage of the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), and rejoin with their families. (With reports from DPAO, 9ID, MFRoldan-PIA5)