LEGAZPI CITY (PIA) – Joint Task Force Bicolandia and 9th ID Commanding Officer Maj. Gen. Adonis Bajao expressed appreciation to the villagers for their vigilance and continued support, emphasizing that their operations rely on such cooperation to ensure success. 

The 9th Infantry ‘SPEAR’ Division scored anew in three consecutive clashes with members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in separate locations in the province of Albay and Camarines Sur.

The said encounters were the result of the community’s vigilance in reporting sightings of suspicious armed individuals in their areas.

Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO) Chief MAJ Frank Roldan stated that their troops are receiving feedback from residents. This valuable input has significantly aided the government troops in tracking elements of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) leading to the surrender of some members and the seizure of weapons and ammunition.

The first confrontation took place at Brgy. Salvacion, in Pioduran, Albay on Saturday, Feb. 24 at 6:15 in the morning when the 49th Infantry Battalion, along with personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Police Provincial Office and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)-Albay encountered seven (7) CTG members.

A 10-minute firefight between the government troops and the group led by Ka Mar or Bokno ensued.  Outnumbered, CTG members scampered in different directions, leaving one (1) M16 rifle; one (1) M653 rifle; one (1) Cal.30 carbine; one (1) bandolier, and one (1) hammock.

On Monday, Feb. 26, two separate encounters were recorded in Camarines Sur; 1:40AM at Brgy. Binalay in Tinambac and 6:25 in the morning in Brgy. Lubgan, Bula.

While conducting a combat operation in the vicinity of Binalay, said town, 83IB troops encountered approximately 15 CTG members.

With no casualties or injuries on the government side, the troops believe that there are wounded CTG members, judging from the blood stains found at the encounter site.

Joint Task Force Bicolandia and 9th ID Commanding Officer MGEN Adonis Bajao immediately conducted a follow-up operation to locate the injured NPA member/s, ensuring they will receive the necessary medical treatment at the hospital.

While fleeing, the NPAs abandoned one (1) M16 rifle, one (1) Cal.45 pistol, six (6) pcs. magazines for 5.56mm, one (1) piece magazine for Cal.45 pistol, three (3) pcs Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), and two (2) bandoliers.

A cell phone, five (5) backpacks, ten (10) hammocks, and other personal belongings were also recovered at the encounter site.

Several hours following the initial morning encounter, an exchange of gunfire echoed in the hinterlands of Brgy. Lubgan, in Bula, Camarines Sur when the 81st Infantry “SPARTAN” Battalion encountered ten (10) CTG members, engaging them in a 10-minute firefight.

Lubgan Elementary School which is located a few meters away from the encounter site was temporarily closed after the incident.

Similar to the previous encounters, the NPAs fled in different directions. The government troops successfully seized two (2) M16 rifles, four (4) magazines, one (1) bandolier, and other personal belongings.  

 Bajao once again called on the remaining CTG members to put down their arms and reunite with their families. The commander also conveyed the government’s sincerity in offering a new life to the former rebels who want to have a new lease in life and live a ‘normal’ life with their families.

Under Bajao’s leadership, the Army vows to continue safeguarding the community, recognizing the significant role their support plays in realizing the government’s aspiration for a safer, and peaceful nation.  (PIA 5)

Cover photo credits: DPAO, 9ID, PA