By Zen Trinidad
CALAMBA CITY, Laguna – Government troops from the 80th Infantry (STEADFAST) Battalion clashed with remnants of the dismantled Komiteng Larangang Guerilla (KLG) Narciso in Barangay Tanauan, Real, Quezon on Wednesday.
In a message on Thursday, Lieutenant Colonel Mark Antony U. Ruby, commanding officer of the 80th Infantry Battalion (IB) Philippine Army (PA) said the rebel group, believed to have come from the Sierra Madre mountain range, attempted to re-enter Northern Quezon to extort money from local candidates through the so-called “Campaign Access Fees” — an illegal practice often used by insurgents during elections.
Acting on reports from concerned residents about the presence of armed men, the 80th IB launched a focused military operation on Wednesday afternoon.
While conducting clearing operations, government troopers were fired upon by an estimated 10 members of the rebel group, triggering a firefight that lasted for about 20 minutes. The rebels eventually withdrew from the area.
No casualties were reported on the side of the military, while traces of blood found at the scene suggest possible injuries or deaths among the fleeing rebels. Pursuit operations are ongoing.
Lt/C Ruby said that after the clash, troops recovered an M16 rifle, 14 long magazines, a high-explosive hand grenade, two 40 mm ammunition rounds, an ICOM radio, five backpacks, two bandoliers, personal belongings, and subversive documents.
He emphasized the battalion’s commitment to protecting communities and safeguarding the upcoming elections.
He also called on remaining rebels to abandon armed struggle and return to the fold of the law.
“We will not allow this. 80IB remains committed to protecting our citizens and the integrity of the upcoming election,” he stressed. (PNA)
