Operating elements of Western Command’s Joint Task Group South interecepted two suspected members of the New People’s Army and recovered several high-powered firearms and ammunitions from an encounter that happenened 08 August 2018 in Sitio Bayabas, Barangay Quinlogan, Quezon, Palawan.
While conducting combat patrol, JTG South operatives led by Marine First Lieutenant Joe Luis Asperin encountered a group of “communist terrorists” under Alyas Allan and Alyas Boywan at around 11:20a.m.
A firefight ensued and lasted for about 45 minutes resulting to the recovery of one M60 machine gun, two M16 rifles, one M14 rifle, one bandolier with 7 loaded magazines, two cellphones, two M203 ammunition, and other subversive items. There was no casualty on the side of the government troops while it is undetermined on the enemy side. At present, the troops are conducting clearing operations in the encounter area.
“Our focused military operations and community support programs have yielded positive results in our efforts to dismantle the communist terrorists in the Province of Palawan. We are grateful to our peace partners in the communities for their cooperation with the authorities that led to this successful operation against the enemies of peace,” said LtGen Rozzano D Briguez AFP, Commander of Western Command.
“Our efforts are relentess that’s why we are tirelessly urging the remaining members of the New People’s Army here in Palawan to just lay down their arms, surrender and return to the fold of the law. We will help you to start new lives.
But if you will not and chose to sow terror, we will go after you and hope will be far from your sight,” added LtGen Briguez. As Western Command continues its campaign against the communist terrorists in Palawan, it also supports the government’s move for localized peace talks and the implementation of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) for former rebels. (PR)