Civilian tips results in another encounter

Press Release
By CMO Battalion, 8ID PA
September 12, 2010

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan, Samar  –  The Army’s 34th Infantry Battalion encountered some 50 armed members of the terrorist New People’s Army (NPA) in the boundaries of barangays Caranas and Hinacaan of Motiong, Samar at 5:00 Friday morning.

Report reaching this headquarters from 34IB disclosed that Corporal Michael Angel received a report from undisclosed civilian that armed men wearing tapita clothes are frequently seen loitering in the outskirts of said barangay. The presence of the said armed group caused terror and uneasiness to the populace in the locality.

With the desire to address the threat brought by the said terror group and to defend the civilians, elements of 34IB conducted security patrols within the periphery of that barangay and its nearby sitios.

This resulted to an encounter between the troops and the enemy that resulted to the killing of one enemy and the recovery of a camouflage backpack and one (1) upper hand guard of M16 rifle.

One soldier was also reported to have been killed in the said encounter.

Lt. Col. William Peñafiel, 34IB’s commanding officer commended the heroism of his fallen troop and said that risking lives is just part and parcel of the military profession for the people to continuously enjoy their right to live.

“Soldiers never die, they just pass away.  We will be surely missing him but his acts of courage and commitment to duty will always remain in the memories of the people he has served. We share in the sorrow felt by his family and loved ones and we will never forget his act of heroism and the invaluable contribution he made in service to our country and people”, says Lt. Col. Peñafiel.

Meanwhile, Major General Mario Chan, the 8ID’s head, expressed his appreciation to the concerned individuals and civilian who relentlessly supported the efforts of their Army to ultimately attain peace and development in the province.