Army foils NPA attacks on remote communities in Zambo Sur, Zambo Norte

 By: Emmanuel D. Taghoy

 

DIPOLOG, Zamboanga del Norte, Nov 19 (PIA) - The Philippine Army's 53rd Infantry "Matapat" Battalion (53IB) successfully pre-empted CPP-NPA atrocities targeting innocent civilians residing at the hinterland boundary of Sitio Ditalipon in Barangay Dilud, Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur and Sitio Kusingan, Barangay Tinago, Sergio Osmeña, Zamboanga del Norte. 

 

The firefight between the government troops and Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) lasted for about 30 minutes. 

Successfully recovered from the encounter site were one M16A1 rifle, one short magazine for M16A1 rifle, 18 rounds of 5.56mm live ammunition, CNT personal belongings, assorted medical paraphernalia, and one portable burner. 

 

In a statement, 53IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera said the government troops will be relentless in pursuing the fleeing enemy just to keep the people safe. 

 

"It is our mandate to keep the people from any form of harm. We will continue to uphold our mandate of serving the people we have sworn to protect," he said.

 

Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas, commander of the 102nd Infantry Brigade urged the people to continue helping government authorities by reporting the presence of CNTs in their communities. 

 

"Their numbers are dwindling and they are already on the verge of collapse and with your (public) support, we will be able to safeguard our communities against all forms of threats as our troops continue to pursue these terrorist groups," he said. 

 

He also emphasized "the government's doors are still open for those who wish to return to the folds of law through the Enhanced Comprehensive Program and committed to address the root causes of insurgency through the Barangay Development Program in the affected communities".

 

Under the E-CLIP, former rebels will be receiving PhP15,000 immediate cash assistance and PhP50,000 livelihood assistance. 

 

Meanwhile, BDP beneficiary barangays for 2021 received PhP20Million for a development package that are already being implemented by the local government units. 

 

The government troops are currently conducting pursuit operations as of this posting. (RVC/EDT/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte/details and photos from 53rd IB, PA)