PNP condemns NPA attack in island stations

Butuan City (1 July) -- Caraga Police Director PCSupt Jaime Eloreta Milla, strongly condemned the NPAs harassments and attack in Dapa and General Luna Municipal Police Stations last June 29, 2008.

RD Milla ordered immediate deployment of troops following the harassment. Personnel from Regional Mobile Group (RMG) and other operating units with the help of the Philippine Army made a blockade to possible escape routes of rebels.

The following day, a team of Philippine Army troops led by 1Lt. Esteban Mangabat encountered ten communist terrorists (CTs) at Panatao, Claver, Surigao del Norte believed to be splinter elements of the joint CT forces coming from FC 16ª, 16B, 19B and RSDG of the NEMRC at GC 02065784.

Firefight lasted up to 10 minutes leading to the capture of one enemy WIA identified as Ronnie Lito Benya @ KHO of Brgy St. Christine, Lianga, Surigao del Sur. Subject person was brought to Caraga Regional Hospital for treatment.

Meanwhile, another team from 14th RMG personnel led by PCI Hordan Pacatiw conducted checkpoint at Brgy Panatao, Claver, Surigao del Norte to intercept fleeing and wounded CTs. Ten RMG personnel from 142nd RMG Company augmented them, and one team led by PO1 Sumipo proceeded to augment Gigaquit MPS.

Another team from 14th RMG personnel under PInsp Eteroza proceeded to Lapinigan Island to assist the Phililipine Army troops conducting pursuit and clearing operations for the alleged two boatloads of CTs who were earlier reported stranded because of engine trouble.

Seven more suspected CTs were apprehended at Lapinigan Island, in addition to the five apprehended suspects last June 29. Apprehended suspects underwent tactical interrogation by the Phililippine Army.

Apprehended suspected CTs were Manuel Orias Bersano, 55 YO from Brgy Pili, Malimono, Surigao del Norte; Asis Salumbre Kahulugan, 30 YO Brgy Masgad, Malimono, Surigao del Norte; Nestor Lasano Labuga, 35 YO of Brgy Masgad, Malimono, Surigao del Norte; Jolin Gonzaga, 42 YO of brgy Amontay, Marihatag, Surigao del Sur; Junel Campos Garay, 19 YO of Brgy Amontay, Marihatag, Surigao del Sur; Romeo Baysa Osayan, 42 YO of Cebu; William Sandoy, 22 YO of Cebu; Charlito Salasar, 33 YO of Brgy Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur; Jefrey Salasar, 22 YO of Diatagaon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur; Gerlito Moreno @ Jayson.Rustom of Brgy St Christine, Lianga, Surigao del Sur; Edgardo Bunso Lacano jr @ Nas of Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte; and Ronnie Perez Tejero @ Roland of San Miguel, Surigao del Sur.

Four of the apprehended suspects were confirmed regular members of the New People's Army, namely, Gerlito Moreno @ Jayson/Rustom of Brgy St Christine, Lianga, Surigao del Sur; Edgardo Bunso Lacano jr @ Nas of Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte; Ronnie Perez Tejero @ Roland of San Miguel, Surigao del Sur; Asis Salumbre Kahulugan, 30 YO Brgy Masgad, Malimono, Surigao del Norte

Government troopers were also able to recover from the suspects the following, four IEO, one bandolier, eight scroll of detonating wire, one pistol belt, three megaphones, two sets BFP uniform, two base and five handheld radios, three bottles Dextrose pack, one camera, assorted PNP uniforms and civilian clothes, several subversive documents, three NDF flags, and three rounds (link) M6O ammos.

Government troops still scouring the neighboring areas, while the Municipal Police Stations in the region were alerted for possible attacks of the rebels. (PNP-13/PIA-Caraga)

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