Tips from civilian populace leads to successful encounter

Press release
By CMO Battalion, 8ID PA
September 9, 2010

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan, Samar  –  The 20th Infantry Battalion of the 8th Infantry Division encountered several NPAs at around 9:40 in the morning of September 8, 2010.

The Spot Report reaching this Headquarters said the encounter happened during the conduct of combat operations led by 1lt. Florencio G. Tayo of the 20IB. The encounter occurred in the vicinity of Barangay E Duran, Municipality of Bobon, Northern Samar involving an undetermined number of local terrorists (LT’s).

The encounter with the local terrorists was approximately an hour of ferocious exchange of fire, until the said Army troops gained control of the situation, which resulted to one (1) enemy killed, one (1) enemy captured, and the recovery of one (1) M14 rifle, after which the local terrorists (LTs) withdrew towards different directions.

The combat operation was conducted by the 20IB troops upon receipt of tips from the local civilian populace in the area, who pinpointed the position of the enemy,

In this light, in a statement after the encounter, Lt Col Jose Narciso, Commanding Officer of the 20IB assured the public that his unit will continue to work on the good relationship with the civilian populace in order to put an end to the local insurgency in the said area. LtC Narciso added that this cooperation with the populace is not merely for the interest of the military, but more for the good of the people of Northern Samar.

Meanwhile, the Commander of the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army Maj Gen Mario F. Chan, AFP, expressed his heartfelt gratitude and elation to the civilians who tipped the information. In addition, Maj Gen Chan lauded his troops for a job well done and for exerting every effort and dedicating their lives in the accomplishment of the mission of the 8th Infantry Division.