7 TERROR GROUP MEMBERS KILLED IN NUEVA ECIJA ENCOUNTER

AN armed encounter between members of the communist terror group and soldiers in Bgy. Malbang, Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija left seven dead.

Slain in a clash with soldiers of the 84th Infantry (Victorious) Battalion of the Philippine Army were seven members of the Komiteng Rehiyong Gitnang Luzon of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) .

The encounter occurred after soldiers of the 84IB conducted a hot pursuit following an aerial operation held in the hinterlands of Sitio Marikit East, Bgy. Abuyo, Alfonso Castaneda, Nueva Vizcaya last June 20.

Recovered at the clash site were three M14 rifles, six M16 rifles, one M16 with M203 attached rifle, one low-powered firearm, subversive documents, and personal belongings.

No casualty was recorded on the part of the operating troops .

Lt. Col. Jerald Reyes, commanding officer, 84IB,  said the hot pursuit operation was part of the unit’s efforts to immediately locate and run after the enemy that spread fear among the people of Alfonso Castaneda.

“Mayroon po tayong nakuhang pitong bangkay mula sa mga CTG at naka-rekober po tayo ng sampung mga matataas na klase ng armas. Napigilan po natin ang kanilang planong maibalik ang kanilang impluwensiya sa kumonidad gamit ang pananakot. Actually, hinabol namin ang mga ito galing Aurora to Nueva Vizcaya, ngayon dito sa Nueva Ecija. Kaya naman po lubos ang aming pasalamat sa mga tao sa kanilang suporta sa mga kasundaluhan. Tinitiyak din po namin ang kaligtasan ng mamamayan ng Nueva Ecija laban sa banta ng mga teroristang grupo,” Reyes said.

Brig. Gen. Joseph Norwin D. Pasamonte PA, commander of the 703rd Infantry (Agila) Brigade, Philippine Army, attributed the success of the operation to the active cooperation of the peace-loving community in Pantabangan, who worked hand-in-hand with the security sector to preserve the peace.

“The community’s active cooperation has a big impact on the results of this operation. Their full support to the Army has paved the way to more significant peace and security accomplishments in our area of operations. We assure you of our strong commitment to the community in preserving the peace that we have been working on for years,” Pasamonte said.

The official called on the other members of the CTG to surrender and take advantage of  the opportunities offered by the government to live a new life.

“I am deeply saddened that our brother Filipinos died because of the trickery of the CTG. We can prevent further loss of lives if the remaining members would only join us in our mainstream society. Nandito kami handang ipagtanggol ang ating mga kababayang aang nais lamang ay kapayapaan at katiwasayan,” he added..