TWO suspected communist terrorists were captured while another was reported wounded in a 30-minute exchange of gunfire with a combined team of Army soldiers, intelligence agents, and policemen Thursday in Barangay Magogon, Camalig, Albay.
There was no casualty on the government side, the report stated.
The firefight erupted as the law enforcers were responding to a report by a concerned citizen about the presence of a group of heavily armed men having entered their community.
The team consisted of elements from the Camalig police station, soldiers from the Army’s 31st Infantry Battalion, and operatives of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency Region 5.
The shootout ended as the insurgents withdrew into the hinterlands.
The operating troops conducted hot pursuit operations, but no result has been reported yet.
Those arrested were identified as “Marsi/Masi”, 42, a construction worker with standing warrant of arrest for attempted murder and arson; and alias Ka Yeng, 44, farmer, also with an arrest warrant for murder.
Police said Ka Yeng confessed while under custody about a firearms cache stashed at Purok 3, Brgy. Panoypoy in Camalig.
Follow-up operation resulted in the retrieval of numerous guns and ammunition at the indicated spot.
Police Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon cited the success of the operations.
“This achievement is the result of the resilience and hard work of our personnel that are truly commendable, especially in the face of adversity. May this recent encounter serve as a stark reminder of the importance of our work and the challenges we confront in ensuring the safety and security of our communities.” Dizon said.
“Let us remain vigilant and steadfast in our commitment to upholding peace and order in our region. We will continue to work tirelessly and carry out our duties effectively for the safer and secured Bicol,” he added.