CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, PILI, Camarines Sur (PIA) – One fatality on the enemy’s side was reported, following the encounter between troops of the 49th Infantry Battalion against elements of Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Ligao, Albay at 9:35 in the morning, Wednesday, May 24.
The gunfire clash took place at Brgy. Busac in the City of Ligao following villagers’ report to the 49th IB that there are suspicious-looking men carrying firearms and engaging in extortion activity in the ongoing Farm-to-Market road (FMR) in the said vicinity.
In a brief firefight that ensued, the government troops recovered one (1) M16 Rifle, one (1) long magazine, one (1) improvised explosive device (IED), and IED wires. Among the unknown numbers of CTG, one (1) was fatally wounded and eventually perished while his companions scampered in different directions.
No soldier was harmed during the firefight.
Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO) Chief Major Frank Roldan said in a press statement that their troops are searching the encounter area, and follow-up operations are still ongoing
Joint Task Force Bicolandia and 9th Infantry “Spear” Division Commander MGen Adonis Bajao, unwavering in his plea for harmony, urges CTG members to surrender their weapons, reintegrate into society, and reunite with their loved ones, assuring them safety from pursuit and harm.
The Commander reiterated that the government is willing to assist those who intend to surrender and have a better future ahead of them by availing the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) being offered by the government.
The program aims to assist individuals who manifested their intent to leave the armed struggle, including members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) and Militia ng Bayan (MB) members and restore their allegiance to the Philippine Government and reintegrate back into the society.
Under the E-Clip, beneficiaries can receive financial package which covers immediate assistance, provision of reintegration process, a starting capital for livelihood, as well as remunerating surrendered firearms. (With reports from DPAO, MAJFRoldan/PIA 5-Camarines Sur)
Photos II DPAO, Philippine Army
