CARE FOR THE DEPARTED. A father and his son took time to retouch the tomb marker of a loved one in a public cemetery in Naga City at around 11:00am today (October 31). Thousands of people are expected to flock this place in commemoration of the All Souls Day on November 2, 2010. (Photo by HAROLD M CABUNOC)
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Care For The Departed
CARE FOR THE DEPARTED. A father and his son took time to retouch the tomb marker of a loved one in a public cemetery in Naga City at around 11:00am today (October 31). Thousands of people are expected to flock this place in commemoration of the All Souls Day on November 2, 2010. (Photo by HAROLD M CABUNOC)
Saturday, October 30, 2010
901st Brigade Leads the Reshuffle of Army Commanders in the Bicol Region
CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur – The Army’s 901st Brigade takes the lead in the major revamp of unit commanders in the Bicol Region, a military official said.
LtCol Julian C Pacatan Jr, the Personnel Officer of the 9th Infantry Division said that four subordinate units will be affected in the revamp and the 901st Brigade was the first unit to have a new commander. He made the statement during the formal turn-over of command ceremony for the 901st Brigade held in Daraga town in Albay yesterday, Friday.
“The installation of new commanders is long overdue because these commanders have already served 1-2 years in their respective units. The designation of new set of commanders in a prescribed period ensures that correct military career pattern is followed,” explains Pacatan.
“In the next few days, there will be turn-over of command ceremonies for unit commanders of the 9th Infantry Battalion in Masbate, the 22nd Infantry Battalion which administers the paramilitary forces (CAFGU) and the 65th Infantry Battalion which is currently deployed in Lanao del Sur.
In a simple ceremony presided by Major General Ruperto Pabustan, the Commander of the 9th Infantry Division, Brigadier General Marlou Salazar relinquished the command of the 901st Brigade to Colonel Arthur Ang.
In his speech, Pabustan credited Salazar for the neutralization of prominent communist terrorist personalities and the implementation of various peace and development programs in the provinces of Albay and Catanduanes.
“I would like to thank General Salazar for his sustained efforts in establishing peace and security in his area of responsibility. The semblance of ‘no conflict’ is directly attributed to the rising economic growth of this region,” said Pabustan.
Meanwhile, Pabustan also challenged Ang to maintain or surpass the vast accomplishments of Salazar who is known for promoting the non-traditional roles of the Philippine Army in its drive to solve the communist insurgency problem.
A well-respected combat officer, Ang is also adept in military diplomacy and international politics having been designated as the military attaché to Beijing from 2005-2008.
Fresh from his stint as 9th ID’s Chief of Staff, Ang is well-versed about 9th ID’s thrusts and programs which will contribute towards the accomplishment of the Army’s mission.
LtCol Julian C Pacatan Jr, the Personnel Officer of the 9th Infantry Division said that four subordinate units will be affected in the revamp and the 901st Brigade was the first unit to have a new commander. He made the statement during the formal turn-over of command ceremony for the 901st Brigade held in Daraga town in Albay yesterday, Friday.
“The installation of new commanders is long overdue because these commanders have already served 1-2 years in their respective units. The designation of new set of commanders in a prescribed period ensures that correct military career pattern is followed,” explains Pacatan.
“In the next few days, there will be turn-over of command ceremonies for unit commanders of the 9th Infantry Battalion in Masbate, the 22nd Infantry Battalion which administers the paramilitary forces (CAFGU) and the 65th Infantry Battalion which is currently deployed in Lanao del Sur.
In a simple ceremony presided by Major General Ruperto Pabustan, the Commander of the 9th Infantry Division, Brigadier General Marlou Salazar relinquished the command of the 901st Brigade to Colonel Arthur Ang.
In his speech, Pabustan credited Salazar for the neutralization of prominent communist terrorist personalities and the implementation of various peace and development programs in the provinces of Albay and Catanduanes.
“I would like to thank General Salazar for his sustained efforts in establishing peace and security in his area of responsibility. The semblance of ‘no conflict’ is directly attributed to the rising economic growth of this region,” said Pabustan.
Meanwhile, Pabustan also challenged Ang to maintain or surpass the vast accomplishments of Salazar who is known for promoting the non-traditional roles of the Philippine Army in its drive to solve the communist insurgency problem.
A well-respected combat officer, Ang is also adept in military diplomacy and international politics having been designated as the military attaché to Beijing from 2005-2008.
Fresh from his stint as 9th ID’s Chief of Staff, Ang is well-versed about 9th ID’s thrusts and programs which will contribute towards the accomplishment of the Army’s mission.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Masbate Politician Shot Dead in an Ambush
CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur – A Masbate politician is the latest victim of the violence which marred the conduct of barangay and SK elections in the Bicol region, a military official said.
First Lieutenant Ariel Anuddin, Commander of the 93rd Division Reconnaissance Company said that town councilor Ronald Ariola was shot dead by two heavily-armed assailants while on his way back to Balud town from Mapili village at around 4:45pm yesterday, Tuesday.
“Kagawad Ronald Ariola was travelling on foot together with the election tellers and poll watchers who were transporting the ballot boxes back to Balud town when two armed men with M16 Rifles suddenly blocked his way and separated him from the group. He was peppered with bullets which caused his instantaneous death,” narrated Annudin through phone call to Major Harold Cabunoc, the 9th Division Spokesperson.
Ariola’s companions scampered to different directions, carrying with them the ballot boxes. They managed to regroup and reached Balud town at around 7:00pm to report the incident to government authorities.
LtCol Anthony Purugganan, Commander of the 9th Infantry Battalion, directed the 93rd Division Reconnaissance Company led by 1st Lieutenant Anuddin to retrieve the cadaver of the victim which was left unattended in the crime scene somewhere in Sitio Palanas in Mapili village.
Together with Balud PNP police force led by Police Inspector Orlando Mesa, the cadaver was finally retrieved at around 12:30am today.
The victim’s body which bore multiple gunshot wounds was brought to Balud town police station for autopsy.
A thorough investigation is underway to identify the perpetrators of this latest violence in Masbate’s polls.
On October 25, three people lay dead and one wounded in another attack in Cawayan town which was also blamed to the political opponents of the victims.
Government forces in Masbate are placed on heightened alert after the elections are reset to this day in Uson town due to ‘non-arrival’ of the ballot boxes in 13 villages of this town.
Major General Ruperto Pabustan, Commander of the 9th Infantry Division, has directed the realignment of some Army forces in the province to ensure the safe conduct of the delayed polls in Uson town.
First Lieutenant Ariel Anuddin, Commander of the 93rd Division Reconnaissance Company said that town councilor Ronald Ariola was shot dead by two heavily-armed assailants while on his way back to Balud town from Mapili village at around 4:45pm yesterday, Tuesday.
“Kagawad Ronald Ariola was travelling on foot together with the election tellers and poll watchers who were transporting the ballot boxes back to Balud town when two armed men with M16 Rifles suddenly blocked his way and separated him from the group. He was peppered with bullets which caused his instantaneous death,” narrated Annudin through phone call to Major Harold Cabunoc, the 9th Division Spokesperson.
Ariola’s companions scampered to different directions, carrying with them the ballot boxes. They managed to regroup and reached Balud town at around 7:00pm to report the incident to government authorities.
LtCol Anthony Purugganan, Commander of the 9th Infantry Battalion, directed the 93rd Division Reconnaissance Company led by 1st Lieutenant Anuddin to retrieve the cadaver of the victim which was left unattended in the crime scene somewhere in Sitio Palanas in Mapili village.
Together with Balud PNP police force led by Police Inspector Orlando Mesa, the cadaver was finally retrieved at around 12:30am today.
The victim’s body which bore multiple gunshot wounds was brought to Balud town police station for autopsy.
A thorough investigation is underway to identify the perpetrators of this latest violence in Masbate’s polls.
On October 25, three people lay dead and one wounded in another attack in Cawayan town which was also blamed to the political opponents of the victims.
Government forces in Masbate are placed on heightened alert after the elections are reset to this day in Uson town due to ‘non-arrival’ of the ballot boxes in 13 villages of this town.
Major General Ruperto Pabustan, Commander of the 9th Infantry Division, has directed the realignment of some Army forces in the province to ensure the safe conduct of the delayed polls in Uson town.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
3 Dead, 1 Wounded in Masbate’s Delayed Polls
CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur – Three people lay dead and one was injured in the first recorded poll-related violent incident in the Bicol region.
Quoting the report from Senior Police Officer 1 Samuel Barredo of Cawayan town in Masbate, Major Harold Cabunoc, Spokesperson of the 9th Infantry Division said that the political supporters of incumbent Gilotong village chief Jeffrey Malagad were ambushed at around 5:00pm yesterday (October 25).
“The victims were casually walking in that part of Gilotong village which is a known bailiwick of Malagad’s political opponent, Gelyn Bacolod. Suddenly, bursts of gunfire and a commotion were heard as the victims passed by a group of Bacolod’s supporters,”said Barredo.
Barredo identified the victims as Bienvenido Malagad and Tranquilin Malagad, siblings of Jeffrey who is seeking reelection in today’s delayed polls in Masbate.
Another relative, Jekyll Malagad, sustained gunshot wounds on his left knee and was rushed to a local hospital for treatment.
Meanwhile, a certain Miguel Daligdig was also killed when one of the victims tried to fight back using a bladed weapon.
Daligdig sustained serious wounds after he was hacked by an unidentified companion of Malagad’s supporters.
Senior Superintendent Henry Ranola, Chief of Special Task Force Masbate, has immediately sent additional policemen to reinforce the police force guarding the polls in the island village of Gilotong.
As of this time, the identities of the assailants could not be identified due to the absence of credible witnesses. Malagad’s supporters quickly blamed the killings to Bacolod’s group since the crime happened in “their area”.
The police is currently conducting a thorough investigation while ensuring the safe conduct of polls in the village.
The barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections were generally peaceful in the whole of Bicol Region during yesterdays initial voting which was marred by delayed arrivals of election paraphernalia.
Masbate has started its polls today after the declaration of its postponement by the COMELEC due to the late arrival of the election paraphernalia.
At 7:00am today, two UH-1H helicopters were deployed to transport the ballot boxes to remote villages in Caramoan peninsula.
Major General Ruperto Pabustan, Commander of the 9th Infantry Division, has directed the Army forces to closely monitor the polls and continue its security patrols to preempt more atrocities.
Quoting the report from Senior Police Officer 1 Samuel Barredo of Cawayan town in Masbate, Major Harold Cabunoc, Spokesperson of the 9th Infantry Division said that the political supporters of incumbent Gilotong village chief Jeffrey Malagad were ambushed at around 5:00pm yesterday (October 25).
“The victims were casually walking in that part of Gilotong village which is a known bailiwick of Malagad’s political opponent, Gelyn Bacolod. Suddenly, bursts of gunfire and a commotion were heard as the victims passed by a group of Bacolod’s supporters,”said Barredo.
Barredo identified the victims as Bienvenido Malagad and Tranquilin Malagad, siblings of Jeffrey who is seeking reelection in today’s delayed polls in Masbate.
Another relative, Jekyll Malagad, sustained gunshot wounds on his left knee and was rushed to a local hospital for treatment.
Meanwhile, a certain Miguel Daligdig was also killed when one of the victims tried to fight back using a bladed weapon.
Daligdig sustained serious wounds after he was hacked by an unidentified companion of Malagad’s supporters.
Senior Superintendent Henry Ranola, Chief of Special Task Force Masbate, has immediately sent additional policemen to reinforce the police force guarding the polls in the island village of Gilotong.
As of this time, the identities of the assailants could not be identified due to the absence of credible witnesses. Malagad’s supporters quickly blamed the killings to Bacolod’s group since the crime happened in “their area”.
The police is currently conducting a thorough investigation while ensuring the safe conduct of polls in the village.
The barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections were generally peaceful in the whole of Bicol Region during yesterdays initial voting which was marred by delayed arrivals of election paraphernalia.
Masbate has started its polls today after the declaration of its postponement by the COMELEC due to the late arrival of the election paraphernalia.
At 7:00am today, two UH-1H helicopters were deployed to transport the ballot boxes to remote villages in Caramoan peninsula.
Major General Ruperto Pabustan, Commander of the 9th Infantry Division, has directed the Army forces to closely monitor the polls and continue its security patrols to preempt more atrocities.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Barangay Elections Stalled in 6 Bicol Provinces
CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur – The barangay elections in the Bicol Region’s six provinces are delayed due to the late arrival of ballot boxes, a military official said today.
In Catanduanes, LtCol Danilo Aquino, Commander of the 83rd Infantry Battalion based in this province said that Atty Maria Aurea Bo-bunao declared that the elections will be held for two days starting today.
“Only the ballot boxes for the SK elections arrived completely at around 4:00pm and at least half of the ballot boxes for the barangay elections which arrived this morning. The truck which transported the other ballot boxes was delayed due to mechanical problems and couldn’t make it to the Tabaco port in due time,”said Aquino.
“Due to the prevailing situation, the initial polls will be held in three towns today including Virac, San Miguel and Bato. The elections will be in full swing in the rest of the towns tomorrow,” added Aquino.
Military and police personnel have been deployed to their respective areas as part of their election duties. Aquino said that all of his security preparations are ‘already in place’.
In Albay province, 7 towns and the city of Legaspi will have their elections tomorrow, October 26.
LtCol John Oberio, Commander of the 9th Infantry Battalion based in Albay said that the election paraphernalia have not arrived in time, forcing the COMELEC to reschedule the elections in the towns of Camalig, Daraga, Bacacay, Guinobatan, Libon, Oas and Polangui.
There are no reported election-related violent incidents in Albay Province.
In Sorsogon, only 7 towns have started its voting while the distribution of election paraphernalia is still ongoing in the rest of the towns.
LtCol Santiago Enginco, Commander of the 49th Infantry Battalion based in Juban town, said that COMELEC officers have declared the postponement of elections in Donsol town.
There are no reported ERVIs in the province which was the rocked by the atrocities by the NPA bandits last week. There were also reported clashes in the last few days, the latest of which resulted to the death of Eleuterio Mangampo a.k.a. Ka Junjun, the most ranking bandit leader in the province.
In Camarines Sur, four municipalities were affected by the ‘partial postponement’ of the elections due to delayed delivery of election paraphernalia.
Colonel Cirilo Teodoro Torralba, Commander of the 902nd Infantry Brigade which has jurisdiction over Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte said that elections are postponed to October 26 in the towns of Garchitorena, Pasacao, Tinambac, Caramoan and Calabanga.
Though delayed for at least 3-4hrs, elections in other towns in Camsur pushed through. In Pili town, ballot boxes arrived at around 7:00am and the distribution of election paraphernalia to various polling centers started at around 8:00am.
Torralba also said that elections have started in most of the towns despite of the delay of the arrival of election paraphernalia. Quoting the report from duty election officers, casting of votes has started in the towns of Jose Panganiban, San Vicente,, Daet and Vinzons.
Some of the election paraphernalia ‘are still on their way’ to the municipalities of Capalonga, Labo and Sta Elena.
In Masbate Province, polling is postponed to October 26 according to LtCol Anthony Purugganan, Commander of the 9th Infantry Battalion based in Milagros town.
Purugganan said that the ballot boxes and other election paraphernalia have just arrived at around 10:00am.
Purugganan also reported that soldiers and policemen had confiscated two firearms from suspected private armed groups (PAGs) in a checkpoint operation in Aroroy town at 9:00pm last night.
He said that a platoon of his unit led by 1st Lieutenant Welbin Beda, supported by police personnel from Aroroy town, seized a Cal 7.62mm M14 Rifle and a Cal 9mm Ingram Submachinegun from the suspects who immediately fled upon seeing the soldiers .
The Special Task Force Masbate has confiscated a total of 10 high-powered firearms since its reactivation last month.
A man was also seriously injured in a stabbing incident in Puro village of the same town at around 10:00pm.
Purugganan said that the victim, Manuel Manlapas,35, was attacked by Ramil Catanares, 35, a village watchman. Personal grudge was eyed as the motive of the attack.
Catanares was collared by responding policemen and detained at the police station in Aroroy town. The victim is currently recuperating in a local hospital and was said to be in stable condition.
Meanwhile, a passenger bus with license plate number HVP 508 carrying at least 50 passengers bound for Tacloban City went into flames as it cruised Quirino Highway in Ragay town, Camarines Sur at around 6:00pm last night, October 24.
The driver of the bus claimed that the faulty electrical wiring had caused the burning accident.
No one was injured among the passengers, most of whom were trying to reach their respective hometown to vote for today’s elections.
The overall security situation in the Bicol Region is calm and peaceful. There are no recorded election-related violent incidents as of this time. This is attributed to the intensified security patrols conducted by both Army and PNP forces.
In Catanduanes, LtCol Danilo Aquino, Commander of the 83rd Infantry Battalion based in this province said that Atty Maria Aurea Bo-bunao declared that the elections will be held for two days starting today.
“Only the ballot boxes for the SK elections arrived completely at around 4:00pm and at least half of the ballot boxes for the barangay elections which arrived this morning. The truck which transported the other ballot boxes was delayed due to mechanical problems and couldn’t make it to the Tabaco port in due time,”said Aquino.
“Due to the prevailing situation, the initial polls will be held in three towns today including Virac, San Miguel and Bato. The elections will be in full swing in the rest of the towns tomorrow,” added Aquino.
Military and police personnel have been deployed to their respective areas as part of their election duties. Aquino said that all of his security preparations are ‘already in place’.
In Albay province, 7 towns and the city of Legaspi will have their elections tomorrow, October 26.
LtCol John Oberio, Commander of the 9th Infantry Battalion based in Albay said that the election paraphernalia have not arrived in time, forcing the COMELEC to reschedule the elections in the towns of Camalig, Daraga, Bacacay, Guinobatan, Libon, Oas and Polangui.
There are no reported election-related violent incidents in Albay Province.
In Sorsogon, only 7 towns have started its voting while the distribution of election paraphernalia is still ongoing in the rest of the towns.
LtCol Santiago Enginco, Commander of the 49th Infantry Battalion based in Juban town, said that COMELEC officers have declared the postponement of elections in Donsol town.
There are no reported ERVIs in the province which was the rocked by the atrocities by the NPA bandits last week. There were also reported clashes in the last few days, the latest of which resulted to the death of Eleuterio Mangampo a.k.a. Ka Junjun, the most ranking bandit leader in the province.
In Camarines Sur, four municipalities were affected by the ‘partial postponement’ of the elections due to delayed delivery of election paraphernalia.
Colonel Cirilo Teodoro Torralba, Commander of the 902nd Infantry Brigade which has jurisdiction over Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte said that elections are postponed to October 26 in the towns of Garchitorena, Pasacao, Tinambac, Caramoan and Calabanga.
Though delayed for at least 3-4hrs, elections in other towns in Camsur pushed through. In Pili town, ballot boxes arrived at around 7:00am and the distribution of election paraphernalia to various polling centers started at around 8:00am.
Torralba also said that elections have started in most of the towns despite of the delay of the arrival of election paraphernalia. Quoting the report from duty election officers, casting of votes has started in the towns of Jose Panganiban, San Vicente,, Daet and Vinzons.
Some of the election paraphernalia ‘are still on their way’ to the municipalities of Capalonga, Labo and Sta Elena.
In Masbate Province, polling is postponed to October 26 according to LtCol Anthony Purugganan, Commander of the 9th Infantry Battalion based in Milagros town.
Purugganan said that the ballot boxes and other election paraphernalia have just arrived at around 10:00am.
Purugganan also reported that soldiers and policemen had confiscated two firearms from suspected private armed groups (PAGs) in a checkpoint operation in Aroroy town at 9:00pm last night.
He said that a platoon of his unit led by 1st Lieutenant Welbin Beda, supported by police personnel from Aroroy town, seized a Cal 7.62mm M14 Rifle and a Cal 9mm Ingram Submachinegun from the suspects who immediately fled upon seeing the soldiers .
The Special Task Force Masbate has confiscated a total of 10 high-powered firearms since its reactivation last month.
A man was also seriously injured in a stabbing incident in Puro village of the same town at around 10:00pm.
Purugganan said that the victim, Manuel Manlapas,35, was attacked by Ramil Catanares, 35, a village watchman. Personal grudge was eyed as the motive of the attack.
Catanares was collared by responding policemen and detained at the police station in Aroroy town. The victim is currently recuperating in a local hospital and was said to be in stable condition.
Meanwhile, a passenger bus with license plate number HVP 508 carrying at least 50 passengers bound for Tacloban City went into flames as it cruised Quirino Highway in Ragay town, Camarines Sur at around 6:00pm last night, October 24.
The driver of the bus claimed that the faulty electrical wiring had caused the burning accident.
No one was injured among the passengers, most of whom were trying to reach their respective hometown to vote for today’s elections.
The overall security situation in the Bicol Region is calm and peaceful. There are no recorded election-related violent incidents as of this time. This is attributed to the intensified security patrols conducted by both Army and PNP forces.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Fresh Fighting Left One NPA Dead in Sorsogon
CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camsur – One bandit lay dead and one firearm was seized in the fresh fighting between government forces and the NPA terrorist rebels in Sorsogon’s election hotspots, a military official said today.
LtCol Santiago Enginco, Commander of the 49th Infantry Battalion based in Sorsogon, said that fresh fighting occurred in Sta Lourdes village of Barcelona town at 6:30am yesterday, October 20 (Wednesday).
1st Lieutenant Sandro Sereno, the Commanding Officer who led the security operations in the area, said that he received a text message about the presence of the bandits in the village last night.
He immediately proceeded to the area to check on the report and act on the complaint of the concerned resident that they were forced to vote for the rebels’ favored candidates.
“Upon seeing the rebel’s location inside the house, we patiently waited for them to come out to arrest the five of them. However, they immediately fired their guns at us upon seeing that we are were approaching them,” said Sereno.
Sereno said that one rebel lay dead clutching his Cal 5.56mm M653 “Baby Armalite” after the initial exchange of gunfire. The two others were also wounded but managed to escape by using the civilians as human shields.
The soldiers also seized a Cal .45 pistol, a MK2 Fragmentation Grenade, a rifle Grenade and a combat pack full of subversive documents and some campaign materials.
One child sustained minor bullet splinter wound and he was immediately treated by the Army medics. Sereno said that his wound was a like a minor scratch but they have ensured that proper medication was immediately given.
Enginco said that his troops are now pursuing the bandits following the trail of blood along their escape route. The dead rebel was fetched by an Army truck and brought to Barcelona town for identification and autopsy.
Army soldiers are in the hot trail for the bandits who are reported to be intensifying its election campaigning activities in Bicol’s election hotspots. There were reports that the rebels threatened some of the candidates and their supporters.
Last week, one bandit was collared by government troops after a gunfight with government troops in Magallanes town.
Army records show that Bicol Region has 70 villages placed as Category 1 and 241 villages as Category 2 of the COMELEC’s tally of Election Watchlist of Areas (EWAS) or “hotspots”.
Sorsogon has 61 villages as Category 2 ‘hotspots’ with Gubat town having the most number with 13 followed by Sorsogon City with 10 villages. Barcelona town has three villages listed as Category 2 EWAS including Sta Lourdes village.
The AFP and PNP earned accolades for their successful security operations during the May 2010 elections with the least number of election-related violent incidents (ERVIs) as compared to the 2004 and 2007 elections. The said national election was said to be the most peaceful in Bicol’s election history.
Major General Ruperto Pabustan, Commander of the 9th Infantry Division has directed all Army units in the Bicol Region to further intensify its security operations to sustain the gains made by the government.
LtCol Santiago Enginco, Commander of the 49th Infantry Battalion based in Sorsogon, said that fresh fighting occurred in Sta Lourdes village of Barcelona town at 6:30am yesterday, October 20 (Wednesday).
1st Lieutenant Sandro Sereno, the Commanding Officer who led the security operations in the area, said that he received a text message about the presence of the bandits in the village last night.
He immediately proceeded to the area to check on the report and act on the complaint of the concerned resident that they were forced to vote for the rebels’ favored candidates.
“Upon seeing the rebel’s location inside the house, we patiently waited for them to come out to arrest the five of them. However, they immediately fired their guns at us upon seeing that we are were approaching them,” said Sereno.
Sereno said that one rebel lay dead clutching his Cal 5.56mm M653 “Baby Armalite” after the initial exchange of gunfire. The two others were also wounded but managed to escape by using the civilians as human shields.
The soldiers also seized a Cal .45 pistol, a MK2 Fragmentation Grenade, a rifle Grenade and a combat pack full of subversive documents and some campaign materials.
One child sustained minor bullet splinter wound and he was immediately treated by the Army medics. Sereno said that his wound was a like a minor scratch but they have ensured that proper medication was immediately given.
Enginco said that his troops are now pursuing the bandits following the trail of blood along their escape route. The dead rebel was fetched by an Army truck and brought to Barcelona town for identification and autopsy.
Army soldiers are in the hot trail for the bandits who are reported to be intensifying its election campaigning activities in Bicol’s election hotspots. There were reports that the rebels threatened some of the candidates and their supporters.
Last week, one bandit was collared by government troops after a gunfight with government troops in Magallanes town.
Army records show that Bicol Region has 70 villages placed as Category 1 and 241 villages as Category 2 of the COMELEC’s tally of Election Watchlist of Areas (EWAS) or “hotspots”.
Sorsogon has 61 villages as Category 2 ‘hotspots’ with Gubat town having the most number with 13 followed by Sorsogon City with 10 villages. Barcelona town has three villages listed as Category 2 EWAS including Sta Lourdes village.
The AFP and PNP earned accolades for their successful security operations during the May 2010 elections with the least number of election-related violent incidents (ERVIs) as compared to the 2004 and 2007 elections. The said national election was said to be the most peaceful in Bicol’s election history.
Major General Ruperto Pabustan, Commander of the 9th Infantry Division has directed all Army units in the Bicol Region to further intensify its security operations to sustain the gains made by the government.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Army Dragon Boat Team Rules International Competition in CamSur
LORD OF THE WATERS. The Philippine Army Dragon Boat Team led by Sgt Usman Anterola takes into position during the final heat of the International Dragonboat Competition held in CamSur Watersports Complex yesterday, October 17, 2010. Besting 62 other competing teams, Team Army bagged two championship trophies (250m and 400m events) and the $3,500.00 cash prize. (Photo by HAROLD M CABUNOC)MATAGUMPAY NA NAIPANALO NG DRAGONBOAT TEAM NG PHILIPPINE ARMY ANG DALAWANG EVENTS SA GINANAP NA INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT COMPETITION KAHAPON SA CAMSUR WAKEBOARD COMPLEX CAMARINES SUR.
AYON KAY MAJOR HAROLD CABUNOC, TAGAPAGSALITA NG 9TH INFANTRY DIVISION NG PHILIPPINE ARMY NA SINAKSIHAN ANG NATURANG PATIMPALAK, TINALO NG ARMY TEAM ANG 62 NA MGA MAGAGALING NA KATUNGGALING MGA ROWING TEAMS NA KALAHOK SA NATURANG SPORTING EVENTS.
SA UMAGA PA LANG AY NAIPANALO NA NG ARMY TEAM ANG 400-METER EVENT NA KUNG SAAN AY NABULSA NILA ANG CASH PRIZE NA $2,000 AT CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY.
KINAHAPUNAN, NAIPANALO NAMAN NG ARMY TEAM ANG 250-METER EVENT AT NAIDAGDAG ANG CASH PRIZE NA $1,500 AT CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY.
NAGING MA-KONTROBERSIYA ANG LARO SA 250-METERS PAGKATAPOS NA BANGGAIN NG RCP ROWING TEAM ANG CROWD-FAVORITE NA ARMY TEAM SA FINALS DAKONG ALAS-SINGKO.
KAHIT NAPALIKO AT HUMINA NA ANG TAKBO NG ARMY TEAM AY NAGAWA NILANG IBUHOS ANG LAHAT NG LAKAS UPANG TALUNIN ANG UMUUSAD NANG MARINE-FLEET TEAM NA GUSTO RING MAKAMIT ANG CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY.
AYON KAY SGT USMAN ANTEROLA, ANG TEAM CAPTAIN NG ARMY DRAGON BOAT TEAM, SILA AY NANAGUMPAY DAHIL SA KANILANG DISIPLINA AT SA DEDIKASYON NG LAHAT NG KANILANG MIYEMBRO.
INIAALAY DIUMANO NILA ANG KANILANG KARANGALAN KAY LIEUTENANT GENERAL ARTURO ORTIZ ANG COMMANDING GENERAL PHILIPPINE ARMY AT SA BUONG PHILIPPINE ARMY NA KANILANG KINABIBILANGAN.
IPINAABOT DIN NI MAJOR GENERAL RUPERTO PABUSTAN, PINUNO NG 9TH INFANTRY DIVISION ANG KANYANG LUBOS NA KASIYAHAN SA KARANGALANG IBINIGAY SA PHILIPPINE ARMY.
LALONG NIRERESPETO AT KINILALA ANG KAKAIBANG KAKAYAHAN NG MGA SUNDALO DITO SA BIKOL REGION DAHIL SA IPINAKITANG KAGALINGAN NG ARMY DRAGON BOAT TEAM AYON KAY PABUSTAN.
Army Dragon Boat Team: Lord of the Waters
Pray and Fight! The Philippine Army Dragon Boat Team led by Sgt Usman Anterola prays before going into action. The Army team dominated the International Dragonboat Competition held in CamSur Watersports Complex yesterday, October 17, 2010 by besting 62 other competing teams and bagged two championship trophies (250m and 400m events) plus $3,500.00 cash prize. (Video by Harold M. Cabunoc)
Two Cops Shot Dead in Masbate Ambush
CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur – Two policemen were shot and killed by undetermined armed men in an ambush in an election hotspot town of Masbate today, a military report said.
LtCol Anthony Purugganan, Commander of the 9th Infantry Battalion which has jurisdiction over Masbate Province said that the two policemen were on board a motorcycle when they were waylaid by unknown perpetrators numbering more or less 5 in Malamag village, Pio V Corpuz town at around 7:00am today.
P/Senior Superintendent Thomas Seminiano, Masbate Provincial Director identified the fatalities as PO3 Nonilon Agbones and SPO1 Nilo Abejuela, both members of the Pio V Corpuz town police force.
The two policemen were reporting for duty when they were waylaid by heavily-armed men. The bullet-riddled body of the victims were immediately brought to the local police station for autopsy.
Responding soldiers and policemen recovered spent casings for M16 and M14 rifles in the crime scene.
Seminiano said that he couldn’t immediately identify the perpetrators because the investigation is still ongoing. However, he doesn’t discount the possibility that the bandit terrorist group are behind the killings.
“The crime scene is a traditional NPA ambush site. One of our town police chief perished in that area when he was ambushed by NPA rebels sometime in 2003. The perpetrators seemed to have stayed for a while to spot for the victims as indicated by the food traces in their position,” said Seminiano who narrated the report through phone while making some dialogues in San Fernando town regarding the eradication of election related violence today.
The killing was the first recorded attack on government forces after the creation of the Joint Coordinating Center for Private Armies (JCCPA) which is tasked to dismantle the various private armed groups in the island province.
The JCCPA and the Special Task Force Masbate were credited for its recent arrest of at least 6 suspected PAGs members and the confiscation of 8 highpowered firearms last month.
A platoon of soldiers led by 1st Lieutenant Ronnie Garchitorena, together with elements from the Masbate PNP led by Police Inspector Moratala have conducted joint operations to hunt down the perpetrators.
LtCol Anthony Purugganan, Commander of the 9th Infantry Battalion which has jurisdiction over Masbate Province said that the two policemen were on board a motorcycle when they were waylaid by unknown perpetrators numbering more or less 5 in Malamag village, Pio V Corpuz town at around 7:00am today.
P/Senior Superintendent Thomas Seminiano, Masbate Provincial Director identified the fatalities as PO3 Nonilon Agbones and SPO1 Nilo Abejuela, both members of the Pio V Corpuz town police force.
The two policemen were reporting for duty when they were waylaid by heavily-armed men. The bullet-riddled body of the victims were immediately brought to the local police station for autopsy.
Responding soldiers and policemen recovered spent casings for M16 and M14 rifles in the crime scene.
Seminiano said that he couldn’t immediately identify the perpetrators because the investigation is still ongoing. However, he doesn’t discount the possibility that the bandit terrorist group are behind the killings.
“The crime scene is a traditional NPA ambush site. One of our town police chief perished in that area when he was ambushed by NPA rebels sometime in 2003. The perpetrators seemed to have stayed for a while to spot for the victims as indicated by the food traces in their position,” said Seminiano who narrated the report through phone while making some dialogues in San Fernando town regarding the eradication of election related violence today.
The killing was the first recorded attack on government forces after the creation of the Joint Coordinating Center for Private Armies (JCCPA) which is tasked to dismantle the various private armed groups in the island province.
The JCCPA and the Special Task Force Masbate were credited for its recent arrest of at least 6 suspected PAGs members and the confiscation of 8 highpowered firearms last month.
A platoon of soldiers led by 1st Lieutenant Ronnie Garchitorena, together with elements from the Masbate PNP led by Police Inspector Moratala have conducted joint operations to hunt down the perpetrators.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
The Economic Growth of Bicol is Attributed to the Successful Job of the AFP
Governor Jose Ma "Joey" Salceda of Albay delivers his message during his visit to Camp Elias Angeles in Camarines Sur at 10:00am today. Salceda thanked the soldiers for their successful security operations which are attributed to the region's rising economic growth. CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili,Camarines Sur – A visiting Bicol executive says that the economic growth of the region is directly attributed to the successful security operations of the Philippine Army, during his visit here today.
Governor Jose Ma “Joey” Salceda of Albay was the guest of honor of the 9th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army which has jurisdiction of the whole Bicol Region.
Salceda cited that starting in 2009, Bicol is the fastest growing economy in the country with a rate of 8.2% growth as compared to the 1.1% growth of the whole country.
He cited that he expects that this year, Bicol’s economic growth will hit 12.4%. He said that there is nothing much that has changed that can be attributed to this positive growth except to the fact that the Philippine Army’s successful conduct of security operations.
“Let me emphasize that the absence of conflict and the semblance of peace and order is an economic factor with the highest economic returns,” said Salceda.
During his speech, Salceda commended the officers and men of the 9ID saying, “You’re doing so well in your job (in security operations) in Bicol because there is no major increase in resources and industries yet we are becoming the fastest growing economy due to the mere absence of conflict and other obstacles”.
The Philippine Army in the Bicol Region has recently earned accolades due to its successful neutralization of notorious NPA terrorists in a series of encounters in August and September this year.
Last month, the Regional Director of the CHR lauded the soldiers for their excellent human rights records citing their humane treatment of captive rebels during fierce firefights with the bandits.
Major General Ruperto Pabustan, Commander of the 9th Infantry Division has likewise expressed his profound gratitude to Salceda for his all-out support to the 9th ID especially during its Disaster Risk Reduction activities in Albay Province.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Armed Clashes Erupt in Sorsogon’s Election Hotspots
CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camsur – Fresh armed clashes erupt between government forces and the NPA terrorist rebels in Sorsogon’s election hotspots, a military official said today.
LtCol Santiago Enginco, Commander of the 49th Infantry Battalion based in Sorsogon said that fresh fighting occurred in Salvacion village, Magallanes town at 8:40am yesterday, October 14 (Thursday).
One NPA bandit, identified as Rex Lagorza, a resident of Juban town, was collared by his soldiers after the 5-minute firefight right in the middle of the village.
Lagorza sustained a minor gunshot wound on his forehead and was immediately treated by the Army medics. He was brought to Magallanes PNP to face criminal charges for illegal possession of firearms.
Enginco said that his troops had engaged the NPA rebels who were campaigning for their favored bets this coming barangay elections. Another fighting occurred in an upland village of Sorsogon City on October 13 (Wednesday).
Army soldiers have intensified its area security patrols as part of its tasking by the COMELEC in preparation to the upcoming local elections. Soldiers also support the manning of checkpoints which is primarily tasked to the PNP.
Army records show that Bicol Region has 70 villages placed as Category 1 and 241 villages as Category 2 of the COMELEC’s tally of election watchlist of areas (EWAS) or “hotspots”.
A Category 1 election ‘hotspot’ refers to areas where there are intense political rivalry and where armed groups supporting various politicians are present. Meanwhile, the presence or influence of the NPA terrorists in certain areas makes them (villages) as Category 2 election “hotspots”.
Masbate tops the list with 69 villages placed as Category 1 and 103 villages as Category 2 ‘hotspots’.
Sorsogon has 61 villages as Category 2 ‘hotspots’ with Gubat town having the most number with 13 followed by Sorsogon City with 10 villages.
The AFP and PNP earned accolades for their successful security operations during the May 2010 elections with the least number of election-related violent incidents (ERVIs) as compared to the 2004 and 2007 elections. The said national election was said to be the most peaceful in Bicol’s election history.
LtCol Santiago Enginco, Commander of the 49th Infantry Battalion based in Sorsogon said that fresh fighting occurred in Salvacion village, Magallanes town at 8:40am yesterday, October 14 (Thursday).
One NPA bandit, identified as Rex Lagorza, a resident of Juban town, was collared by his soldiers after the 5-minute firefight right in the middle of the village.
Lagorza sustained a minor gunshot wound on his forehead and was immediately treated by the Army medics. He was brought to Magallanes PNP to face criminal charges for illegal possession of firearms.
Enginco said that his troops had engaged the NPA rebels who were campaigning for their favored bets this coming barangay elections. Another fighting occurred in an upland village of Sorsogon City on October 13 (Wednesday).
Army soldiers have intensified its area security patrols as part of its tasking by the COMELEC in preparation to the upcoming local elections. Soldiers also support the manning of checkpoints which is primarily tasked to the PNP.
Army records show that Bicol Region has 70 villages placed as Category 1 and 241 villages as Category 2 of the COMELEC’s tally of election watchlist of areas (EWAS) or “hotspots”.
A Category 1 election ‘hotspot’ refers to areas where there are intense political rivalry and where armed groups supporting various politicians are present. Meanwhile, the presence or influence of the NPA terrorists in certain areas makes them (villages) as Category 2 election “hotspots”.
Masbate tops the list with 69 villages placed as Category 1 and 103 villages as Category 2 ‘hotspots’.
Sorsogon has 61 villages as Category 2 ‘hotspots’ with Gubat town having the most number with 13 followed by Sorsogon City with 10 villages.
The AFP and PNP earned accolades for their successful security operations during the May 2010 elections with the least number of election-related violent incidents (ERVIs) as compared to the 2004 and 2007 elections. The said national election was said to be the most peaceful in Bicol’s election history.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
NPA Rebels Campaign for Their Local Bets in Sorsogon
CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camsur – NPA rebels have intensified their efforts to campaign for their favored candidates in the upcoming barangay elections, a military official said today.
LtCol Santiago Enginco, Commander of the 49th Infantry Battalion based in Sorsogon said that more or less 10 heavily armed communist bandits were reported by civilian residents as coercing them to vote for their favored local candidates during the barangay elections on October 25.
Responding for the request to arrest the rebels, Enginco sent a platoon of his soldiers to apprehend the rebels led by Andres Despi a.k.a. Tisoy who were to be roaming around Jamislagan village in Sorsogon City.
A 10-minute clash ensued at 3:20am today (Oct 13) when the rebels fired their weapons at the approaching soldiers before vanishing into the darkness.
No one was reported injured among the soldiers but there were bloodstains along the bandits’ route of withdrawal, indicating that they suffered some casualties.
Engino said that his troops have continuously conducted patrols following the series of ambuscades and harassments perpetrated by the bandits on Oct 11 (Monday).
The bandits have also intensified its attacks on civilians who are accused as military informants. A certain Domingo Floresca,55, of Porog village,Bulusan town was murdered by motorcycle-riding NPA terrorists outside his home at around 6:30pm (Oct 11).
A ‘guilty verdict’ document with the communist rebels’ official seal, was found near the body of the slain victim who was shot with a Cal .45 pistol resulting to his instantaneous death.
Floresca is the 40th victim of summary executions by the CPP-NPA-NDF in the Bicol Region this year after the killing of 3 innocent civilians in Daraga town of Albay in the same day at 2:00am.
Major General Ruperto Pabustan, Commander of the 9th Infantry Division, has directed all Army forces in the Bicol region to intensify its security patrols in the remote villages where NPA bandits are constantly sighted.
LtCol Santiago Enginco, Commander of the 49th Infantry Battalion based in Sorsogon said that more or less 10 heavily armed communist bandits were reported by civilian residents as coercing them to vote for their favored local candidates during the barangay elections on October 25.
Responding for the request to arrest the rebels, Enginco sent a platoon of his soldiers to apprehend the rebels led by Andres Despi a.k.a. Tisoy who were to be roaming around Jamislagan village in Sorsogon City.
A 10-minute clash ensued at 3:20am today (Oct 13) when the rebels fired their weapons at the approaching soldiers before vanishing into the darkness.
No one was reported injured among the soldiers but there were bloodstains along the bandits’ route of withdrawal, indicating that they suffered some casualties.
Engino said that his troops have continuously conducted patrols following the series of ambuscades and harassments perpetrated by the bandits on Oct 11 (Monday).
The bandits have also intensified its attacks on civilians who are accused as military informants. A certain Domingo Floresca,55, of Porog village,Bulusan town was murdered by motorcycle-riding NPA terrorists outside his home at around 6:30pm (Oct 11).
A ‘guilty verdict’ document with the communist rebels’ official seal, was found near the body of the slain victim who was shot with a Cal .45 pistol resulting to his instantaneous death.
Floresca is the 40th victim of summary executions by the CPP-NPA-NDF in the Bicol Region this year after the killing of 3 innocent civilians in Daraga town of Albay in the same day at 2:00am.
Major General Ruperto Pabustan, Commander of the 9th Infantry Division, has directed all Army forces in the Bicol region to intensify its security patrols in the remote villages where NPA bandits are constantly sighted.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Three Dead in Albay Massacre by Communist Rebels
CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camsur – Three members of a family were shot and killed by suspected communist rebels in Albay Province yesterday (October 11), a military official said today.
LtCol John Oberio, Commander of the 2nd Infantry Battalion which has jurisdiction over Albay Province, said that four NPA bandits barged in the house of Wenifredo Lotino, 45, a councilman of Nabasan village in Daraga town at around 2:00am.
Oberio disclosed that Lotino was accused by the NPA rebels as one of the military informants in the village.
“Riding two motorcycles, the rebels forcibly opened the door of Lotino’s house and shot the victims at close range with Cal .45 pistol. Only 6 bullets were fired by the assailants on the victims who were sleeping during the time of the incident,” said Oberio.
Oberio identified the two other dead as Lotino’s wife, Evelyn, 45, and a nephew named Anjo Martos,20. Lotino’s teenage daughter, Jenny, 19, was seriously injured but played dead as she witnessed the brutal killings.
Prior to the killings, the NPA rebels staged a simultaneous attack on the military detachments in three different towns of Oas, Camalig and Daraga in Albay at around 9:00pm. No one was reported injured in these NPA harassments.
The military detachment in San Ramon village in Daraga town repulsed the rebels who fired indiscriminately at the soldiers at around 8:55pm (Oct 10). Military authorities believed that the harassments were part of the diversionary tactics of the NPA rebels whose main target was the Lotino family.
The massacre of the Lotino family was the second recorded attack on civilians in the province of Albay this year.
On September 26, 2010, one employee of Sunwest Corporation was killed in a daylight robbery perpetrated by the communist rebels in Sinungtan village in Guinobatan town.
The NPA rebels have so far killed 38 people all over Bicol Region in Calendar Year 2010. The list of victims include 4 soldiers, 8 militiamen and 1 policeman.
Major General Ruperto Pabustan, Commander of the 9th Infantry Division, has condemned the massacre of innocent civilians by the NPA bandits.
LtCol John Oberio, Commander of the 2nd Infantry Battalion which has jurisdiction over Albay Province, said that four NPA bandits barged in the house of Wenifredo Lotino, 45, a councilman of Nabasan village in Daraga town at around 2:00am.
Oberio disclosed that Lotino was accused by the NPA rebels as one of the military informants in the village.
“Riding two motorcycles, the rebels forcibly opened the door of Lotino’s house and shot the victims at close range with Cal .45 pistol. Only 6 bullets were fired by the assailants on the victims who were sleeping during the time of the incident,” said Oberio.
Oberio identified the two other dead as Lotino’s wife, Evelyn, 45, and a nephew named Anjo Martos,20. Lotino’s teenage daughter, Jenny, 19, was seriously injured but played dead as she witnessed the brutal killings.
Prior to the killings, the NPA rebels staged a simultaneous attack on the military detachments in three different towns of Oas, Camalig and Daraga in Albay at around 9:00pm. No one was reported injured in these NPA harassments.
The military detachment in San Ramon village in Daraga town repulsed the rebels who fired indiscriminately at the soldiers at around 8:55pm (Oct 10). Military authorities believed that the harassments were part of the diversionary tactics of the NPA rebels whose main target was the Lotino family.
The massacre of the Lotino family was the second recorded attack on civilians in the province of Albay this year.
On September 26, 2010, one employee of Sunwest Corporation was killed in a daylight robbery perpetrated by the communist rebels in Sinungtan village in Guinobatan town.
The NPA rebels have so far killed 38 people all over Bicol Region in Calendar Year 2010. The list of victims include 4 soldiers, 8 militiamen and 1 policeman.
Major General Ruperto Pabustan, Commander of the 9th Infantry Division, has condemned the massacre of innocent civilians by the NPA bandits.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Philippine Army Deploys New Batch of Soldiers to Fight the Communist Insurgency in the Bicol Region
Major General Hilario Atendido, the Deputy Chief of Staff for Training and Education, J8, AFP addresses the crowd of soldiers during the graduation ceremony of the Candidate Soldier Course Class 03-10 on October 8, 2010. Three hundred forty five individuals took their oaths as the new soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. (Photo by Major Harold M Cabunoc)CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camsur – A new batch of soldiers will be deployed to help the government’s counterinsurgency campaign in the Bicol Region, a ranking military official said today.
Major General Ruperto R Pabustan, Commander of the Army forces in the Bicol Region said 345 soldiers who have just hurdled the Army’s combat training will be distributed to the battalions to beef up the forces which are tasked to confront the communist insurgency.
Pabustan made the statement during the graduation ceremony for the new batch of soldiers held here at around 9:30am.
Pabustan said that the Army is now heavily engaged in the implementation of the peace and development programs which are designed to address the root causes of the insurgency problem.
“We are maximizing our efforts in helping the national government implement the development projects here in the region. These infrastructure projects can surely alleviate the economic hardships of our people especially those who are in remote areas where public services are limited,” said Pabustan.
Pabustan has also said that the new soldiers will augment the manning of COMELEC checkpoints in preparation for the upcoming barangay elections.
Soldiers and policemen are tapped to conduct checkpoint operations to control the carrying of firearms during the election period.
Government forces manning the checkpoints have been placed on heightened alert after the killing of a policemen in a daylight ambush staged by suspected NPA assailants in Naga City on October 5, 2010.
In Masbate Province, joint-operations by AFP and PNP personnel have netted 8 highpowered firearms and the arrest of 6 suspected members of the partisan armed groups.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Camsur Policeman Ambushed by Motorcycle Riding Gunmen
CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili,Camarines Sur – A policeman was shot and seriously wounded in a daylight ambush staged by motorcycle-riding gunmen today.
Onlookers who witnessed the shooting claimed that two gunmen were riding a motorcycle bearing license plate number SJ-1650 blocked the motorcycle of P02 Sonny Nopia along the busy street of Panganiban Drive in Naga City at around 8:00am.
Nopia was grimacing in pain due to three gunshots to his abdomen when he was rushed to the hospital a few hundred meters away from the crime scene. Attending doctors said that the victim is in “serious condition”.
Police and military checkpoints around Camarines Sur were immediately placed on high-alert due to the recent gun attack on government forces.
The Special Partisan Unit (SPARU) members of the CPP-NPA-NDF are the main suspects in this attack. The cooperation of the civilians in the upland villages around the Bicol Region has resulted to the arrest and surrender of many NPA bandit members.
The latest NPA bandit who was collared by government forces was a certain Benhur Berano, a member of the NPA’s Front Committee 75. He was arrested in his house in Panoypoyan village in Bula town yesterday, October 4, 2010.
Onlookers who witnessed the shooting claimed that two gunmen were riding a motorcycle bearing license plate number SJ-1650 blocked the motorcycle of P02 Sonny Nopia along the busy street of Panganiban Drive in Naga City at around 8:00am.
Nopia was grimacing in pain due to three gunshots to his abdomen when he was rushed to the hospital a few hundred meters away from the crime scene. Attending doctors said that the victim is in “serious condition”.
Police and military checkpoints around Camarines Sur were immediately placed on high-alert due to the recent gun attack on government forces.
The Special Partisan Unit (SPARU) members of the CPP-NPA-NDF are the main suspects in this attack. The cooperation of the civilians in the upland villages around the Bicol Region has resulted to the arrest and surrender of many NPA bandit members.
The latest NPA bandit who was collared by government forces was a certain Benhur Berano, a member of the NPA’s Front Committee 75. He was arrested in his house in Panoypoyan village in Bula town yesterday, October 4, 2010.
Notorious NPA Bandit Collared by Government Forces in CamSur
TIGAON, Camarines Sur – A notorious NPA banditry gang member was collared by government troops in Camarines Sur yesterday, (October 4), a military report said.
LtCol Ernesto Cruz, the Commander of the 42nd Infantry Battalion said that he sent a platoon of his soldiers together with some policemen to arrest the suspect who was spotted by neighbors inside his house in Panoypoyan village of Bula town at around 8:00am.
Cruz identified the bandit as a certain Benhur Berano a long time member of the CPP-NPA-NDF’s Front Committee 75. The suspect has a standing warrant of arrest for the killing of Sergeant Alfredo Valencia and Private Domingo Alcantara Jr in 2007.
“Many of his former comrades who had surrendered to my unit have pinpointed him as one of the principal suspects in the killing of two soldiers of this battalion three years ago. He was also tagged as one of those who detonated a roadside bomb which killed 5 soldiers in Presentacion town in July 2010,” said Cruz.
Colonel Teodoro Cirilo Torralba, the Commander of the 901st Brigade which has jurisdiction over Camarines Sur has cited the invaluable help provided by the civilian tipsters in the series of arrests and digging of the NPA’s arms cache.
“It was also a civilian informant who led the troops to the staging area of the bandits resulting to an encounter in Lagonoy town on October 1 which left one soldier dead. Bandit members usually go back to their homes when pursuit operations are launched by soldiers but we are lucky to have gained the support of the civilians in the area,” said Torralba.
Torralba also commended the gains of the 42nd Infantry Battalion when the pursuit operations on October 2 yielded three anti-tank mines, 5 anti-personnel mines which according to him, and several bomb-making materials which according to him, “indicated the NPA’s plan to stage ambuscades with roadside bombs against government forces”.
The death of a high-ranking NPA leader identified as Elmer Osila a.k.a. Ka Fredo, the Secretary of the Front Committee 75 has crippled the capabilities of the bandit group.
Ka Fredo was considered as one of the dwindling number of experienced NPA cadres in the Bicol Region
LtCol Ernesto Cruz, the Commander of the 42nd Infantry Battalion said that he sent a platoon of his soldiers together with some policemen to arrest the suspect who was spotted by neighbors inside his house in Panoypoyan village of Bula town at around 8:00am.
Cruz identified the bandit as a certain Benhur Berano a long time member of the CPP-NPA-NDF’s Front Committee 75. The suspect has a standing warrant of arrest for the killing of Sergeant Alfredo Valencia and Private Domingo Alcantara Jr in 2007.
“Many of his former comrades who had surrendered to my unit have pinpointed him as one of the principal suspects in the killing of two soldiers of this battalion three years ago. He was also tagged as one of those who detonated a roadside bomb which killed 5 soldiers in Presentacion town in July 2010,” said Cruz.
Colonel Teodoro Cirilo Torralba, the Commander of the 901st Brigade which has jurisdiction over Camarines Sur has cited the invaluable help provided by the civilian tipsters in the series of arrests and digging of the NPA’s arms cache.
“It was also a civilian informant who led the troops to the staging area of the bandits resulting to an encounter in Lagonoy town on October 1 which left one soldier dead. Bandit members usually go back to their homes when pursuit operations are launched by soldiers but we are lucky to have gained the support of the civilians in the area,” said Torralba.
Torralba also commended the gains of the 42nd Infantry Battalion when the pursuit operations on October 2 yielded three anti-tank mines, 5 anti-personnel mines which according to him, and several bomb-making materials which according to him, “indicated the NPA’s plan to stage ambuscades with roadside bombs against government forces”.
The death of a high-ranking NPA leader identified as Elmer Osila a.k.a. Ka Fredo, the Secretary of the Front Committee 75 has crippled the capabilities of the bandit group.
Ka Fredo was considered as one of the dwindling number of experienced NPA cadres in the Bicol Region
Friday, October 1, 2010
Slain Soldier in Camsur is the Latest War Hero in Bicol
BICOLANDIA HEROES. Senior military officials led by Major General Ruperto Pabustan, Commander of the 9th Infantry Division (left) and Major General Romulo Supapo, Vice-Commander of the Philippine Army, led the wreath-laying ceremony for the fallen soldiers of the 9th Infantry Division during its 6th Founding Anniversary held today, October 1, 2010. (Photo by Harold M Cabunoc / 9IDPAO)CAMP ELIAS ANGELES,PILI, Camarines Sur – A soldier who died in an encounter with the NPA bandits early morning today is the latest in the ranks of the Army’s war heroes, a military official said.
Major General Ruperto Pabustan, Commander of the 9th Infantry Division which celebrates its 6th Founding Anniversary today, said that Corporal Emmanuel Abin II, 26, single, of Ragay town in Camarines Sur, is the latest soldier who will be given tribute for paying the ultimate sacrifice in the service of the country.
Abin died in an encounter with the NPA bandits in Pinamihagan village, Lagonoy town at 2:00am. He was the only casualty among the patrolling soldiers.
He was with a platoon of soldiers led by 1st Lieutenant Nonie Alcala which figured in an encounter with NPA rebels who were reported to be extorting money from the Chinese firm which operates a copper mine in the area.
Abin was hit in the abdomen during the 5-minute firefight with more or less 10 bandits. Though he was given outright medical attention by a combat medic, he expired while being evacuated to a local hospital some kilometers away from the encounter site.
The soldiers confiscated 1 Cal 5.56mm Rifle during the firefight but they were not able to recover the dead body of the slain communist bandit.
“We have prioritized the immediate evacuation of our dying soldier so we were not able to recover the dead body of the slain rebel. He was lying lifeless in the ground when my soldiers hurriedly left to save the life of Corporal Abin,” said LtCol Ernesto Cruz, the Commander of the 42nd Infantry Battalion based in Tigaon town.
Fourteen soldiers who ‘paid the ultimate sacrifice’ in the service of the country were honored in a simple wreath-laying ceremony at around 9:00am inside the sprawling resort-like military camp.
Included in the list of modern heroes is the late 2nd Lieutenant Michael Logronio, 23, who died while fighting with NPA terrorists who detonated a roadside bomb as his 9-man patrol passed by the newly constructed highway in Bicalen town.
Civilian guests and senior military officials led by Army vice chief Major General Romulo Supapo attended the anniversary ceremonies including the granting of combat medals to the living heroes for their acts of heroism during a fierce firefight with the enemies.
One of the living heroes is 2nd Lieutenant Michael Castro who earned praises for saving four children from crossfire during an encounter with NPA bandits in Lupi town in August 2010.
Castro’s combat action led to the recovery of 4 high-powered firearms and the subsequent discovery of the arms cache with 8 more assorted assault rifles and machineguns.
Major General Ruperto Pabustan, Commander of the 9th Infantry Division which celebrates its 6th Founding Anniversary today, said that Corporal Emmanuel Abin II, 26, single, of Ragay town in Camarines Sur, is the latest soldier who will be given tribute for paying the ultimate sacrifice in the service of the country.
Abin died in an encounter with the NPA bandits in Pinamihagan village, Lagonoy town at 2:00am. He was the only casualty among the patrolling soldiers.
He was with a platoon of soldiers led by 1st Lieutenant Nonie Alcala which figured in an encounter with NPA rebels who were reported to be extorting money from the Chinese firm which operates a copper mine in the area.
Abin was hit in the abdomen during the 5-minute firefight with more or less 10 bandits. Though he was given outright medical attention by a combat medic, he expired while being evacuated to a local hospital some kilometers away from the encounter site.
The soldiers confiscated 1 Cal 5.56mm Rifle during the firefight but they were not able to recover the dead body of the slain communist bandit.
“We have prioritized the immediate evacuation of our dying soldier so we were not able to recover the dead body of the slain rebel. He was lying lifeless in the ground when my soldiers hurriedly left to save the life of Corporal Abin,” said LtCol Ernesto Cruz, the Commander of the 42nd Infantry Battalion based in Tigaon town.
Fourteen soldiers who ‘paid the ultimate sacrifice’ in the service of the country were honored in a simple wreath-laying ceremony at around 9:00am inside the sprawling resort-like military camp.
Included in the list of modern heroes is the late 2nd Lieutenant Michael Logronio, 23, who died while fighting with NPA terrorists who detonated a roadside bomb as his 9-man patrol passed by the newly constructed highway in Bicalen town.
Civilian guests and senior military officials led by Army vice chief Major General Romulo Supapo attended the anniversary ceremonies including the granting of combat medals to the living heroes for their acts of heroism during a fierce firefight with the enemies.
One of the living heroes is 2nd Lieutenant Michael Castro who earned praises for saving four children from crossfire during an encounter with NPA bandits in Lupi town in August 2010.
Castro’s combat action led to the recovery of 4 high-powered firearms and the subsequent discovery of the arms cache with 8 more assorted assault rifles and machineguns.
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