ARMY COMMANDER COMMENDS TROOPS, COMMITS FULL SUPPORT
The Philippine Army has directed for more intensified operations to
further degrade the Communists Terrorists' capability to threaten
Filipino communities. At the same time, strict respect for Human Rights
in the conduct of operations was reiterated to all units.
The Commanding General of the Philippine Army, MGEN ARTURO B ORTIZ AFP,
issued the directive following the series of successful tactical
operations of the 31st Inf Bn under LTC REX BERGANTE PA. The 31IB is
under the operational control of 902Bde under COL CIRILO TEODORO
TORRALBA PA of the Philippine Army's 9th Infantry Division under MGEN
RUPERTO R PABUSTAN AFP. The 9ID covers the Bicol Region.
On July 30, 2010, one suspected Communist Terrorist (CT) was killed and
three others were captured by the 31IB elements led by 1LT MICHAEL
CASTRO PA in an encounter in Brgy. Tibli, Lupi, Cmarines Sur. Four
high-powered firearms were recovered by government forces in the said
operation. The respect and humane treatment accorded by soldiers to the
captured CTs convinced one of them to support the government and the
Philippine Army.
The following day on 31 July, guided by a very grateful captured CT, a
section from Recon Platoon of 31IB led by 1LT REY A CANLOBO PA
successfully conducted search operations for an NPA arms cache at Brgy.
Tibli, Lupi, Camarines Sur. This led to the discovery and recovery of
eight high-powered FAs that included Five (5) M16 assault rifles, Two
(2) Thompson submachineguns and One (1) Ultimax squad light machinegun.
The discovery of a major arms cache has bolstered earlier reports that
NPA numbers are dwindling as idle firearms indicated fewer fighting
elements and recruits.
MGen Ortiz commended the troops, particularly 1Lt Castro for his
handling of the operation. Mindful that the CTs were holding civilians
as hostages, 1Lt Castro observed proper Rules of Engagement (ROE) and
imposed restraint and fire discipline to his troops. He then negotiated
with the cornered CTs to release their hostages and surrender with the
assurance that their rights will be respected. Three of the rebels gave
up and the lives of civilian hostages were spared. Likewise, MGen Ortiz
commended the professionalism and honorable conduct of the custodians of
the captured CTs. Their humanitarian actions led to successful follow-up
operations that led to further gains in the internal security campaign.
In his assumption address, MGen Ortiz stressed that Army units will
vigorously fight all armed groups that threaten our democratic way of
life. Army operations will be conducted with full respect for human
rights, and observance of ROE and avoiding collateral damage.
The Army commander continues to stress this guidance to all units in his
field visits. He has emphasized that Headquarters Philippine Army will
provide all-out support to its field units in terms of personnel,
logistics, force protection, intelligence, mobility, communications,
medical attention and emergency support. Echoing the pronouncements of
the Commander-in-Chief, MGen Ortiz committed to give our soldiers every
tool and resources available that will help them defeat the enemy.
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