Civilian’s tip abates
NPA extortion activities
By CPT DRANDREB CANTO (INF) PA, 802nd Infantry Brigade
March 9, 2011
CAMP DOWNES, Ormoc
City – Some 20 members of terrorist New People’s Army (NPA)
operating in the province of Leyte were encountered by the Army’s 78th
Infantry Battalion in Sitio Mat-i, Brgy Antipolo of Albuera town
around 4:30 p.m. yesterday, March 8 following the tip from the
civilian.
Based on the report
reaching this headquarters, troops of Second Lieutenant Vinluan were
conducting routine security patrol in the area when an undisclosed
civilian approached them and reported that some armed men who plans to
conduct extortion activities in their barangay were seen in the place
quite distant from their location.
The troops then
diverted their routes towards the place being guided by the said
civilian until encounter transpired. Exchange of fires lasted for
about 30 minutes before the terrorist fled bringing along with them
their wounded comrades.
One soldier was
reported hurt in the side of the government forces while it is still
being determined on the enemy side as of press time. Only excessive
bloodstains that stained in the area of encounter were left when the
troops pursued.
Meanwhile, Colonel
John Bonafos, the 802nd Brigade’s commander commended the troops for
successfully thwarting the enemy’s extortion to the people.
“Such gallant feat of
our troops is a clear manifestation of their dedication to duty in
protecting the people against the threat groups that will sow terror
to the peace loving Samareños”.
He said that another
NPA plan was thwarted due to the unwavering support of our people. It
only proves that insurgency could not be totally expunged by a mere
military solution. It needs a thorough collaboration between the
civilians and the soldiers.
Colonel Bonafos also
condemns in the strongest possible terms the continuous blatant
violation of the terrorist NPA on human rights and international
humanitarian law in making the people as their “milking cow.”
“The extortion
activity was already condemned by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR)
as extreme violation of people’s rights. This terrorist act is a clear
manifestation of ill-respect to the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect
for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), a
total abuse of our people’s right that is deemed condemnable in the
strongest possible terms,” declares Colonel Bonafos.
“We challenge the
different human rights advocates who always create noise over the
violation of human rights to come out and eventually condemn this
undoubtedly human rights violation and stop extorting food supplies
and money from the people,” says Colonel Bonafos.
“We would like also to
recognize the heroism paid for by our comrade-in-arms who died in the
true spirit of peace and democracy. The highest regards of our people
and our Armed Forces will be bestowed upon him. Although sad to note,
my deepest condolences to the loved ones left by Private Jonie Briones,”
vows Colonel Bonafos.
Troops of 802nd
Brigade are still in the area to pursue the fleeing terrorist and let
them face the consequences of their illegal acts and be charged with
the full force of the law.