CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur-An armed clash between the government troops and communist terrorists erupted in the middle of a relief distribution in Masbate province around 5:30 in the afternoon of Good Friday, April 10.
According to the report, joint elements of 2nd Infantry Battalion (2IB) and Philippine National Police were assisting in the distribution of relief goods to the residents of Barangay Cabas-an in Aroroy town, when they were fired upon by at least 15 members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) forcing the government troops to retaliate.
The firefight lasted for five minutes before the enemies scampered towards Barangay Nabonsoran.
Two fleeing members of Militiang Bayan were captured while one cal. 45, two homemade shotguns, one carbine rifle, anti-personnel mines and assorted ammunitions were recovered from the encounter site.
Joint Task Force Bicolandia under MGEN FERNANDO T TRINIDAD AFP strongly condemned the cruel attack carried out by the CTG while the whole Christian world is remembering the death of Jesus Christ.
Aside from being inconsiderate with the observance of the Holy Week, this incident is also a disrespect of the still existing unilateral ceasefire of the government and a clear violation of the declared ceasefire by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) due to the on-going fight against COVID-19.
This kind of terror is a clear proof that the CTG can no longer be trusted because of their treacherous and duplicitous character as evident in the history. They attack Bicolano’s communities and they are also doing this now in other part of the country amid the people’s struggle and fear of COVID.
Nevertheless, Gen. Trinidad assured the public that though the military is focused on campaigns against the said pandemic, Spear Troopers are on the look-out and will not let their guard down to ensure the safety of the Bicolanos.
Moreover, JTFB encouraged the CTG members to make this Lenten season a time to reflect and to realize that their cause is senseless and futile.
Instead of lurking, JTFB reiterated its call for the CTG members to surrender, avail the various programs from the government and live peacefully with their families.
