1 Local Terrorist Killed, 4 Firearms Recovered by 9IB Troops

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur – An active member of the local terrorist group (LTG) was killed and four (4) assorted firearms were recovered following an encounter with government troops in Masbate province yesterday, October 31, at around 6pm.

9th Infantry Division spokesman Major Harold M. Cabunoc said the operating troops from 9th Infantry Battalion (9IB) of the Philippine Army led by LTC ANTHONY PURUGGANAN (INF) GSC PA, while conducting combat operation in the hinterland of Barangay Santa Fe, Mandaon municipality, encountered more or less 15 members of the LTG. After more or less 15 minutes of gun battle, the local terrorist rebels withdrew towards different directions leaving the dead body of their comrade (unidentified), one (1) M653 rifle, one (1) long barrel shotgun, one (1) improvised shotgun and one (1) .38 caliber revolver. Likewise, Major Cabunoc stressed that the said encounter was the result of an information provided by the residents about the presence of the LTG conducting extortion activity even at the height of Typhoon “Santi”.

Meanwhile, 9th Infantry Division commander Major General Ruperto R. Pabustan expressed his sincere gratitude to the residents of Masbate for giving timely information regarding terrorists' activities even in the midst of a strong typhoon. He further encouraged the local populace to continue supporting government troops in their effort to get rid the entire province of Masbate of local insurgents.