Camp Elias Angeles, Pili, Camarines Sur – About 50 communist terrorists (CTs) attacked a CAFGU detachment in Brgy Pasig, Claveria (Burias Island) in Masbate midnight of October 15, 2011 until the early hours of Oct 16, 2011 inflicting slight wounds to two (2) soldiers and two (2) CAFGU Active Auxillaries (CAA).
They were identified on as Corporal Audie Estioco, Pfc Albert Borja and CAA Melchor Monticod and CAA Anastacio Del Rosario.
According to the report that reached this headquarters, the CTs almost encircled the detachment during the attack that resulted to an exchange of fire lasting for an hour. Cartridges from various firearms and several bloodstains were seen after clearing operations this morning.
“Our troops bravely stood their ground. Our wounded soldiers are OK. Despite outnumbered ; superiority in firepower, properly fortified defenses and strong leadership of the Non Commissioned Officers were keys to the successful defense of the detachment.”, said Lieutenant Colonel Julian C Pacatan, Commanding Officer of the 9th ID’s 9th Infantry Battalion stationed in Milagros, Masbate.
Exactly a month ago, soldiers deployed in San Pascual in Burias Island encountered in a hot pursuit operations against the CTs that resulted to the death of two (2) rebels and recovery of one (1) cal.30 heavy machine gun, one (1) M16 rifle, one (1) M653 baby armalite, three (3) cal.38 revolvers,12 IEDs subversive documents and other war materials.
Colonel Felix Castro Jr, 903rd Infantry Brigade Brigade Commander who has operational jurisdiction in Sorsogon and Masbate said that the rebels wanted to ease the tension of Army operations in mainland Masbate by conducting attacks in the islands. He said that he will not bite their bait by realigning troops to Burias island as there are sufficient troops in Burias Island
After the CTs torched three (3) mining firms in Claver, Surigao Del Norte last Oct 3, 2011, the 9th Infantry Division intensified its security operation region wide to include government flagship projects, vital installations and multi corporation companies that can be possible targets of NPA attack and extortion. Masbate has one (1) multi corporation mining company frequently being harassed by CTs for not giving in to their extortion activities.
“We will not allow that to happen here in Bicol region”, Major General Josue S Gaverza Jr, Commander of the 9th Infantry Division said referring to the Claver, Surigao Del Norte incident.
