Nine LCTs Killed In Successive Gunbattles With Troops

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur – Nine (9) members of the Local Terrorist Group (LTG) were killed and nine assorted firearms were recovered in two armed encounters in separate places in Albay and Sorsogon provinces today September 25, 2009.

According to Major Harold M. Cabunoc, spokesman of 9th Infantry Division, Philippine Army the first armed encounter occurred in Barangay Pawa, Manito, Albay at around 6am. He said the combined operating troops from 9th Infantry Division and 7th Scout Ranger Company while conducting combat patrol in Sitio Bunga of said barangay encountered more or less seven fully armed local communist terrorists (LCT) that resulted to the killing of one LTG member identified as "Papay" and the recovery of one (1) M16 rifle.

One and a half hours later, another gunbattle happened between the combined elements from 903rd Brigade and 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion and more or less 20 LTG rebels at the boundary of Barangay Lipason and Barangay Mabanate, Pilar, Sorsogon. The said encounter resulted also for the recovery of eight (8) assorted firearms, eight (8) enemy killed and wounding of two (2) civilians who were caught in the crossfire.

These continuous victories of the Spear Troopers over the LTGs signify the overwhelming support from the local populace who continuously feed information to the government forces regarding LTG activities. The low key but unrelenting support provided by the residents counts for the defeat of the LTGs and putting the latter into insignificant level by year 2010.

Meanwhile, Major General Ruperto R. Pabustan, Commander of 9ID, Colonel Mario A. Mendoza, 903rd Brigade Commander, and other officers of 9ID visited the scenes of encounter and commended the troops involved. MGen Pabustan led his staff in congratulating the troops for showing acts of bravery by putting their lives at risk just to accomplish their assigned mission. He also took the opportunity to thank local officials and residents for their continued support to the troops in any way they can.

Related story: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view/20090925-226864/Nine-rebels-killed-in-Albay-encounter