NAGA CITY (PIA)—A few days after welcoming five (5) surrenderees, the 83rd Infantry “Matikas” Battalion clashed with members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Barangay Ayugao, in the hinterlands of Presentacion, Camarines Sur, Nov. 25, Friday.

In a press statement issued by the said battalion, the early morning firefight with more or less ten (10) CTG members resulted to the recovery of one (1) M14 rifle, several Improvise Explosive devices (IEDs) and subversive documents.

Excerpts from the said report confirmed that a soldier was wounded in the course of the firefight but is now in a stable condition.

“Sa hanay naman ng gobyerno ay may naiulat na isang sugatan na sa kabutihang palad ay nasa maayos ng kalagayan na kasalukuyang ginagamot sa isang pribadong pagamutan.”

Traces of blood on the encounter site affirmed the soldiers’ presumption that many CTG members were also injured during the encounter.  

83rd Infantry Acting Battalion Commander LTC Rodito A. Gotdalera called on the residents to continue being vigilant.  He also extended his gratitude to the villagers for their continuous support to the peace advocacy of the Philippine Army. 

“Nagpapasalamat po kami sa mga residente sa patuloy na suporta, Ipagpatuloy po ninyo ang pakikiisa at pakikipagtulungan upang magapi ang gawaing terorista na sanhi ng pagkakaantala ng pag-unlad ng bansa,”  the Battalion Commander stated.

LTC Gotdalera appealed to the CPP-NPA-NDF members to let go of the armed struggle and return to the folds of the law. He assured that former rebels are entitled to receive benefits from the E-CLIP or Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the government.

E-CLIP contains comprehensive program for the Rebel Returnees (RRs). This is to prepare them to re-integrate to the society and live a peaceful life with their families and loved ones, especially this coming Christmas season. (With reports and photos from 83rd IB- PIA5/Camarines Sur)