500 flee as government, rebels clash in Masbate

By Rhaydz B. Barcia

LEGAZPI CITY --- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Bicol has extended immediate assistance to over 500 families displaced by the recent armed encounter between government forces and the New People’s Army (NPA) in Uson, Masbate, which left seven rebels dead.

Norman S. Laurio, DSWD Bicol regional director, led the distribution of family food packs to 566 internally displaced families currently housed in evacuation centers managed by the local government unit (LGU) of Uson.

“In the wake of the armed encounter between government forces and NPA members in Barangay San Mateo on July 27, DSWD Field Office V swiftly provided essential aid to the affected residents,” Laurio said.

In addition to food packs, DSWD Bicol conducted Psychological First Aid (PFA) sessions for women and children in coordination with the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Battalion, Uson LGU, and Barangay San Mateo officials. The PFA aims to help survivors manage trauma and the psychological effects of displacement.

“Every life is priceless. Our response ensures that not only are basic needs met, but emotional healing can also begin,” Laurio added.

The DSWD also provided technical assistance on Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) to ensure that evacuation centers are managed in an orderly and humane manner in accordance with national standards.

The armed clash occurred around 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 28, when troops from the Army’s 2nd Infantry Battalion encountered communist rebels under KLG South, Sub-Regional Committee A (SRCA) of the Bicol Regional Party Committee while conducting routine patrols in Barangay San Mateo. The firefight lasted for about 30 minutes.

Recovered from the encounter site were seven high-powered firearms, including four M16 rifles, two M203 grenade launchers, one M14 rifle, one M653 rifle, and one Bushmaster rifle, as well as personal belongings and subversive documents.

Military officials said the operation was part of intensified focused military actions under Joint Task Force Bicolandia, following the directive of newly installed 9th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Aldwine I. Almase.

“This successful operation delivers a major blow to the already weakening communist terrorist group,” the 9th ID stated, but emphasized that armed encounters are not their primary solution to insurgency.

The 9th ID again urged the remaining members of the CPP-NPA-NDF to surrender and avail themselves of the government’s reintegration programs for a better future.