9ID recover firearms in series of encounters

By Ana Liza S. Macatangay

PILI, Camarines Sur --- Government troops continue to recover firearms from Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) members as a result of encounters in various parts of the Bicol region.

On Wednesday, June 21, an M16 rifle, an M635 rifle, an anti-Personnel mine, and two (2) backpacks were seized by soldiers of the 49th Infantry Battalion during a brief firefight with elements of CTG in Brgy. Bolo, Guinobatan, Albay.

Two (2) Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) were killed after the troopers responded to a tip-off from the barangay regarding suspicious armed individuals in their area.

A security patrol was immediately conducted, leading to the army’s encounter with more or less 12 CNTs. This resulted in a firefight causing the death of 2 CNTs. The remaining insurgents scattered in various directions in an attempt to evade the pursuing army.

Three days after, another encounter took place at Sitio Cadaohan, Brgy Guindawahan, Poi V Corpuz, in Masbate.

In a press statement, Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO) Chief Major Frank Roldan relayed that around 5:30 in the morning on Saturday, June 24, a 10-minute firefight ensued while soldiers of the 2nd Infantry Battalion are conducting security operations. This was prompted by a tip-off by the locals regarding the presence of several suspicious armed men in the said area.

“The troops of 2IB engaged in a 10-minute firefight against 9 armed Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) believed to be members of Platoon 1, Larangan 2, Komiteng Probinsya 4, BRPC led by Bobby Cañete @Bugas/Denden,” Roldan said.

An M14 rifle, one (1)anti-personnel mine, and several subversive documents were left by fleeing CNTs.

Joint Task Force Bicolandia and 9ID Commander MGen Adonis Bajao continue to convince the CNTs to return to the folds of the law and join the government in its peace campaign.

=The Commander said that the government, through its various programs under the

Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) will give surrenderees a chance to reform their lives and take the chance to have a fresh start.

E-CLIP is a package of cash incentives, livelihood programs and other assistance offered by the government to surrenderees.

It will be recalled that during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s visit to the uniformed men and women of the 9th Infantry “SPEAR” Division following the inauguration of his housing and agriculture flagship programs on March 16 in Camarines Sur, he lauded the 9ID for its efforts in regional stabilization and dedication to service. He also acknowledged the military’s transformation from being war-fighters to regional peacemakers.

“So keep up the good work. Continue your service. Inaasahan namin kayong lahat at hindi naman kayo – wala naman kayong karanasan na hindi niyo tinanggap ang inyong duty at hindi niyo tinupad ang inyong mission,” the President stated. (With reports from 9ID DPAO- PIA 5/Camarines Sur)