Milagros, Masbate, (Nov 15) – Despite the much hyped Pacman boxing fight, Army soldiers clashed with communist rebels in a hinterland village of Masbate early morning on Sunday, Nov 13. LtCol Jun Pacatan, Commanding Officer of the 9th Infantry Battalion said the encounter happened in Matagbac Village, Milagros town around 6AM.
“I sent a team of soldiers led by 2LT Francis Alfie Tuazon to arrest the rebels who were extorting the residents in the area when the soldiers were fired upon by more or less 10 rebels. Heavy exchange of gunfire followed afterwards,” said Pacatan.
The rebels fled with their casualties prompting a running gun battle which lasted 15 mins. No one was injured among the government troops. The soldiers confiscated one M16 armalite rifle, one M653 baby armalite, 2 hand guns and 20 improvised bombs.
“The villagers are fed up by this NPA extortion,” said Pacatan. “While the soldiers are providing medical mission and feeding programs, the communist rebels continue to ask money from them,” he added further.
He also said that they have missed Pacman’s fight because of our relentless pursuit operations. “Like Pacman, we want to win this fight against extortionists,” he also said.
Meanwhile, Major General Josue Gaverza, Commander of the 9th Inf Division has directed the soldiers to remain vigilant despite the Pacquiao fight.
He also ordered 903rd Brigade Commander Col Felix Castro to never cease in chasing the rebels while soldiers around the Bicol region to continuously perform their various duties in the communities. (903rd IB, PA/PIA Sorsogon)
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