THE Special Action Force troops encountered around nine members of the Communist Terrorist Group ( ) from Platoon 1, Guerilla Front Committee 1, Sub-Regional Committee 2 led by Virgel Balcueva alias Joey.
The encounter took place on Monday, May 20th in Brgy. Guibahoy, Lagonoy, Camarines Sur, while the government troops were patrolling near their established Patrol Base.
The clash resulted in the death of one CTG member and the recovery of various combat equipment. There were no reported injuries on the government side.
The death of a member of the communist terrorist group was confirmed by PMaj. Kristel Joy Asim, Public Information Officer of the Special Action Force in an interview with SMNI News.
“So, there was an encounter between the members of the CTG or what we call the communist terrorist group with our personnel from 9SAB; Rapid Deployment Battalion and SAF Commando Course Class 123-2023 and there was one dead on the enemy side,” said PMaj. Kristel Joy Asim, PIO, SAF.
PMaj. Asim said that the SAF has long been a partner in the fight against terrorism in the country, hence this encounter signifies the SAF’s cooperation with the government’s aim to end insurgency to maintain peace and security in the country.
“At present, the internal security operations are supported by the PNP that’s why the special action force is also operating along with the regional mobile force and our provincial mobile forces to fight these CTGs and maintain peace and order in our country,” Asim added.
At present, the authorities have yet to identify the deceased rebel as the SAF troops continue their hot pursuit operation to locate the fleeing comrades.
Additionally, nearby combat groups have been alerted to set up blockades on potential escape routes of the fleeing rebels and to provide possible reinforcements to fellow operatives.
