Four successful tactical offensives in Eastern Visayas in first two weeks of October

October 17, 2009
People's War Bulletin
Ka Karlos Manuel, Spokesperson
Efren Martires Command
New People's Army-Eastern Visayas

The Efren Martires Command of the New People's Army in Eastern Visayas reports that there were four successful tactical offensives in the first two weeks of October.

On October 1 at 10 a.m., Red fighters of the Serafin Pasimos Command ambushed 23 troops of the 63rd IB in Brgy. Ligaya, Matuguinao, Western Samar. The armed engagement lasted for about 10 minutes. At least two soldiers were killed and another wounded, while there no casualties on the NPA's side. The Red fighters confiscated one M16 rifle. The 63rd IB troops were demoralized and continued firing indiscriminately until evening, long after the Red fighters had withdrawn safely. On the other hand, the guerrilla offensive raised the morale of the Red fighters and the people, who rejoiced at the punishment of the abusive troops. The NPA became aware of the enemy operation only a short time before, and was able to respond quickly and decisively with the help of the people's militia.

Also on Oct. 1, Red fighters of the Arnulfo Ortiz Command raided without firing a shot the fishpond of a despotic landlord in Brgy. Inoragyaw, Sta. Margarita, Western Samar. The raid was a punishment after many people complained of the despotic landlord's landgrabbing, anti-worker practices such as low wages and lack of job security, and disenfranchisement of the fisherfolk who lived nearby. The NPA confiscated from the fishpond's security guards four shotguns, a carbine, a .45 cal. pistol and a .38 cal. pistol, and two pumpboat engines. The Red fighters explained the reasons for the raid to the security guards and and reiterated these in a letter left for the fishpond's administrator.

Meanwhile, there is an initial report that the Arnulfo Ortiz Command successfully carried out a tactical offensive against government forces in Pagsangjan, Western Samar last Oct. 2. At least seven firearms of various calibers were confiscated by the Red fighters.

In Brgy. Gibunawan, Silvino Lobos, Northern Samar, there is an initial report that Red fighters of the Rogelio Bantilo Command successfully ambushed 63rd IB troops last Oct. 11. At least eight soldiers and the commanding officer, Lt. Joash Pramis, were wounded in action. The 8th Infantry Division spokesperson, Lt. Col. Armando Rico, tried to cover up the demoralizing defeat with a media statement that it was a chance encounter and there were three NPA fighters killed in action. In fact, the Rogelio Bantilo Command successfully planned and carried out the armed engagement as part of stepping up offensive operations against the enemy's small and isolated units of Reengineered Special Operations Teams. #


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