FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City – Soldiers who are sent for security patrol seized several firearms after an early morning clash with NPA bandits in Masbate province today.
Lieutenant Colonel Julian Pacatan, Commanding Officer of the 9th Infantry Battalion based in Milagros town, said that the clash occurred at around 5:40 am in Brgy Gabi, Baleno town.
Pacatan said that he sent his troops on security patrols upon receiving reports from concerned civilians about the presence of heavily-armed rebels in their village.
“A squad of my soldiers where approaching the village when they chanced upon more or less 10 heavily-armed rebels along the way. A 10-minute firefight ensued after which the rebels fled with their casualties leaving behind several firearms,” said Pacatan.
Among those seized from the rebels were one M16 rifle, one M14 rifle, one improvised cal 5.56 rifle, one homemade shotgun, three cal 38, four improvised claymore mines, and two anti-tank landmines.
Pacatan further said that Army troops in Masbate will remain vigilant to thwart any attempts of the NPAs to disturb peace.
“Our troops are conducting regular security patrols in anticipation of any attack that the NPAs may stage as they commemorate their founding anniversary on December 26. We are monitoring the possibility that the rebels will mount attacks on government installations and against security forces,” added Pacatan.
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