Four LCTs Killed In Gunbattle With 42IB Troops

Bula, Camarines Sur - On or about 7AM of September 9, 2009, troops of 42nd Infantry Battalion (42IB) led by 1LT JIMENEZ encountered more or less 20 local communist terrorists (LCTs) in Brgy. Itangon, Bula, Cam Sur. The firefight lasted for about 20 minutes afterwhich the enemies scampered towards different directions resulting to the killing of four (4) LCTs and recovery of two (2) high-powered firearms (HPFAs). The fatalities were brought to Bula Municipal Hall and were later identified as "Ka Ryan", "Ka Andy" and "Ka Jay-R" (TNU) and a certain Marlou Perez, an incumbent barangay kagawad (village councilman) of Brgy. San Rafael Norte, Lupi, Camarines Sur.

This encounter is the result of the directive of MGEN RUPERTO R PABUSTAN, CG 9ID, to track down the LCTs who burned down the Globe Telecom cellsite on August 15, 2009 in nearby Baao town. Through continuous coordination with concerned residents, the troops soon got their break when a local villager tipped off the presence of armed men in their village vicinity. 42IB troops quickly set out to verify said information thus the ensuing gunbattle. Prior to this incident, Army units in the area have been receiving reports already on the extortion activities by the LCTs whom the residents abhor much.

In a related radio interview, MAJOR HAROLD M CABUNOC, PIO 9ID, expressed his sincerest gratitude to all the residents of Bula for cooperating with the military in its fight against the local communist terrorists. He further exhorted the people to be steadfast in their support to our troops and the various programs the AFP is pushing in the area.

Related news: http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2009/sept/11/yehey/prov/20090911pro2.html