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Saturday, September 18, 2004
Army condemns rebels for soldiers's slay
By Lizanilla J. Amarga
* Attack came as rebels consolidate forces in Agusan town
* Military confirms NPA top terror threat in Normin
THE military on Wednesday condemned the New People's Army (NPA) for killing one officer and one enlisted man whom they captured in an encounter at Sitio Manawang, Barangay Guinabsan, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte last Aug. 5.
4th Infantry Division chief, Maj. Gen. Samuel Bagasin, strongly condemned the NPA for killing Lt. Jovie Aleria and Private First Class Sivee Berdon who became captives in an encounter.
He said the two were captured and then killed because of the numerous casualties the NPA suffered during the Aug. 5 attack.
"They (Aleria and Berdon) were killed in cold-blood because of hatred and to avenge the death of their comrades. I am therefore condemning this dastardly act of the NPA. The NPA in this part of the country kill their captives," he said.
Meanwhile, Bagasin recounted how the Aug. 5 encounter was a result of a combat operation launched by 401st Infantry Brigade utilizing 41st and 42nd Reconnaisance Companies led by Aleria and Romorosa respectively.
He said the operation was conducted as there was an intelligence report that some 100 NPAs are consolidating at said place to attack the Municipality of Nasipit to destroy the power barge and interrupt power in major portions of Caraga Region.
"They (NPA) have to recover from the series of setbacks they suffered from the government troops," the general said.
As a result of the encounter, Bagasin said the troops suffered five killed and 23 wounded by the shrapnel from the landmines the NPA detonated.
He said the enemy also suffered a sizeable number killed and wounded.
"Due to the restrictive terrain, the troops have to move back to consolidate but some operating units were lost. The NPA occupied the high ground making the troop's position disadvantageous," he said.
Later in the morning, Bagasin said two MG 520 attack helicopters were sent to the area to deliver close air support to the troops.
He said they have received reports that more rebels were killed and wounded on top of those killed and wounded by the foot troops.
The secretary of Front 4A, Joker Manila alias Joker was among those wounded in that air strike.
Unfortunately, Bagasin said Aleria, Berdon and Pvt Rene Montemor were captured as they ran short of ammunitions and were unable to repulse the enemy's advance.
"The NPA closed in and captured them. Pfc Rene Montemor who was with Aleria and Berdon found a chance to escape by jumping into a ravine and ran to safety," he said.
As this developed the military confirmed that the NPA remains the top terrorist threat in Northern Mindanao and the rest of the country.
Despite this Bagasin said they have not lowered their guard especially in light of the recent terrorist attack at an Australian embassy in Indonesia.
The PNP-10 earlier ordered the reinforcement of their units in Misamis Oriental following the murders of two top officers in their area.
(September 16, 2004 issue)
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