Deadly Clash In Sorsogon

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur – An armed encounter transpired in Sorsogon between elements of the Philippine Army and the CPP-NPA-NDF today, 11 January 2010, at around 5:30am.

Reacting to a hot information provided by a concerned resident about heavily armed men extorting money from local politicians in Brgy Ginara, Magallanes, Sorsogon, the 903rd Brigade Commander, Colonel Joselito Bernardo, quickly sent a 14-man team from the 49th Infantry Battalion led by 2LT MADRID to confirm the said report.

At around 530am, the soldiers spotted the rebels in their encampment at an isolated area 300m from the said barangay. A firefight which ensued, lasted for 30 minutes after which the enemies scampered towards various directions leaving behind two rebels dead and 2 soldiers (Pfc Formanes and Pvt Madara) wounded. Five Cal 5.56mm M16 Rifles, one Cal .30 M2 Carbine Rifle, one Cal. 5.56mm Ultimax Light Machinegun and 5 improvised landmines were likewise recovered.

The wounded soldiers were brought to Bulan District Hospital while the two dead communist terrorists were brought to the local government of Magallanes for proper identification.

MGen Ruperto R Pabustan, commander of 9ID, has directed all unit commanders in Bicol Region to intensify its campaign against the communist terrorists and to support the Philippine National Police in the election duties.