More war materials, bombs found

          The internal security operations launched by the Southern Luzon Command continue to gain ground with the recovery of an M16 assault rifle and 10 improvised explosive devices following the August 14 encounter in Masbate.

            In a belated report, Solcom spokesman Col. Generoso Bolina said members of the 9th IB under Lt./Col Julian C. Pacatan, clashed with several New People’s Army guerillas in Sitio Little Baguio, Barangay, Cagay, Masbate City.

            “After a brief exchange of gunfire, the rebels scampered in different directions leaving behind the said war material,” Bolina said.

            Solcom commander Lt. General Roland Detabali ordered his men to go after a group of rebels who tried over run the Mobo Municipal Police Station that resulted in the injury of five policemen.

            A vehicle carrying responding policeen fbom the Special Task Force Masbate hit a landmine planted by the guerrillas along their route. Injured were PO1 Baldwin Odtojan and PO2 Ernie Concepcion.

            Meanwhile, PFC Ariel Semolava was killed after their patrol car also hit a landmine in Barangay Mayrangan, Masbate City while his colleagues PFC Henry Maisog and Pvts. Ryan Barayoga and Jomar Erediano were wounded.

            Despite the casualties, Bolina  said Solcom remains on tract in its ISO campaign. He said the 4th IB under Lt./Col. Wilbur C. Mamawag also recovered hundreds of rounds of ammunition for M14 assault rifles after a clash with in Sitio Liberty, Barangay  Benli, Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro. (Journal On-line) August 17, 2011

5 Policemen repulse NPA raid in Mobo Station

             About 50 suspected communist rebels disguised as soldiers have attacked a town hall compound in Masbate but were repulsed by police. Three policemen were wounded in the clash.

            Regional police commander Cecilio Calleja says the New People's Army rebels attempted to enter a police station early Sunday in the government compound in Mobo town in Masbate province.

            Calleja says the policemen sensed it was an attack and opened fire, sparking a gunbattle. The Maoist guerrillas withdrew toward a forested mountain after an hour, reportedly carrying some wounded comrades.

            Government negotiator Alex Padilla, who heads talks with the rebels, renewed a call for a cease-fire.

            Talks resumed this year on ending one of Asia's longest-running Marxist rebellions, but clashes have continued. (AP) August 14, 2011