CATBALOGAN CITY – A wounded New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was captured following an armed encounter with government troops in the hinterlands of Brgy. Igot, Pambujan, Northern Samar, on June 1, 2024.
According to a report sent to The Samar Chronicle, troops from the 19th Infantry “Commando” Battalion of the Philippine Army were conducting a focused military operation when they received information from a concerned civilian about a group of armed men conducting extortion activities in Barangay Igot.
The report stated that at around 5:30 AM on June 1, the troops encountered the rebels. A five-minute firefight ensued, resulting in the recovery of an M16 rifle and other personal belongings of the insurgents. The rebels fled the encounter site.
Later that day, the troops received a text message from a concerned citizen reporting the presence of a wounded individual near the Brgy. Chapel along the Pambujan River.
Capt. Jefferson Mariano, chief of the 8ID Public Affairs Office, identified the wounded individual as Lagi Cabides alias Lagui, a member of Squad 4, SRGU, SRC Emporium, EVRPC. He was abandoned by his comrades after sustaining gunshot wounds to his left ear and cheek.
“The troops, together with civilian volunteers, applied first aid treatment and brought him to Pambujan Rural Health Unit. He was then referred to the hospital for further medical treatment,” Mariano said in a press statement.
Additionally, while conducting pursuit operations, the troops encountered around eight NPA rebels in the hinterlands of Brgy. Cagbigajo, Pambujan. The firefight lasted for about three minutes, and the enemy scattered in different directions, leaving behind two improvised shotguns and one International Humanitarian Law-banned anti-personnel mine.
Lieutenant Colonel Marvin Maraggun, Commanding Officer of the 19IB, commended the support of the Barangay Task Force ELCAC of Pambujan and the cooperation of civilians in their efforts to end insurgency.
“The information provided by concerned citizens regarding the presence of armed rebels indicates that the community fully realizes their role in solving the decades-long insurgency,” said Lt. Col. Maraggun.
Major General Camilo Z. Ligayo, the Commander of the 8ID, reiterated the call for the remaining members of the Communist Terrorist Groups to lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law.
“We will ensure your safety and help you get the necessary assistance from the government. Choose a peaceful path and reunite with your family,” Maj. Gen. Ligayo stated.
(Via Ricky Bautista with additional reporting and photo from 8ID)
