ORMOC CITY– An alleged member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed in an encounter in Pambujan, Northern Samar.
In a belated report from the 8th Infantry Division based in Catbalogan City, the said encounter took place in the morning on November 15 in Barangay Senonogan, Pambujan town.
At least six high-powered firearms said to be from the rebels were recovered by the government troopers from the 19th Infantry Battalion during the 10-minute firefight.
The rebels were said to belong to the Front Committee 1, Sub-Regional Committee Emporium of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee led by Lontoy Jarito alias Amboy, a notorious communist leader who perpetrated numerous atrocities and extortion activities in the areas of Northern Samar.
Lt. Col. Marvin Maraggun, the commanding officer of the 19th IB, expressed his appreciation for the timely information provided by the villagers as he commended the Barangay Task Force-End Local Communist Armed Conflict (BTF-ELCAC) for their support in the anti-insurgency campaign.
“The successful operation underscores the desire of the populace, members of BTF-ELCAC and MTF-ELCAC in their collective effort in ending local armed conflict in the hinterlands of Pambujan,” he said.
Meanwhile, the 8th Infantry Division Commander, Maj. Gen. Camilo Ligayo lauded the troops for their efforts to bring peace to Northern Samar. He also thanked the citizens who gave information vital to the successful operation.
“Let us continue engaging the communities from the Barangays down to Sitios, to build a strong relationship with the communities and encourage them to cooperate with the government. Let us continuously engage the populace to inform them of the government’s programs for those who are willing to surrender,”he said in a statement.
He also extends his deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the killed rebel member.
“It is sad that another Filipino who was deceived by the misleading ideals of the communist terrorists has died. My deepest sympathy to the bereaved family. On the other hand, I encouraged the remaining members of the rebel group to surrender and be with their families while you still have a chance,” Ligayo said.
(ROBERT DEJON)
