5 NPA KILLED IN FAILED ATTACK ON POLICE STATION
PNP Chief, Director General Oscar C Calderon has ordered massive pursuit
operations against a large group of fleeing New People’s Army terrorists
that were repulsed by alert police personnel after a two-hour encounter in
Matnog, Sorsogon at dawn today.
Troops from the 508th and 509th Provincial Mobile Group, and the
Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Battalion are now in hot pursuit of the NPA
dissidents who fled to different directions on board a commandeered bus
and several pumpboats.
Calderon ordered PNP Regional Office 5 Director, Chief Superintendent
Victor Boco to mobilize search teams to run after the fleeing NPA group
that broke into smaller groups. Hospitals and clinics in Sorsogon are
also being watched for wounded NPA terrorists who will possibly seek
treatment.
In his report to Calderon, Boco said five NPA dissidents were killed in
the clash that started at 3:30 AM when the communist terrorists arrived in
Matnog on board a passenger bus, two jeepneys, and an ambulance. Another
seaborne group of NPA simultaneously landed in Matnog aboard pumpboats.
A Coast Guard operative stationed at the Matnog Ferry Terminal, Petty
Officer 1 Armando Penolio, was killed and six other government personnel
and a civilian were wounded in the incident.
Two teams of Philippine Army personnel who were waiting for their ferry
ride to Samar joined the Coast Guard personnel in fighting off the NPA.
While retreating from the Matnog Ferry Terminal, the NPA stormed the
nearby Traffic Management Group detachment some 200 meters away and
wounded SPO4 Edgardo Masarate.
A massive assault was staged by the NPA on the Matnog Police Station with
automatic weapons fire, grenade and explosives coming from attack
formations in the left and rear of the building.
Twelve PNP personnel manning the Matnog Police Station led by Police
Senior Inspector Jesus Callada held their ground until 5:30 AM when the
NPA retreated, carrying along some of their casualties.
The bodies of three unidentified NPA terrorists were found at the scene,
still clutching M-16 rifles and explosive devices. Two more bodies were
recovered nearby during mopping-up operations.
According to Boco, the NPA has been persistently attempting to attack
Matnog. The last attempt was in December last year but was foiled when
police engaged the supposed NPA attackers in an encounter killing one
terrorist.
Calderon congratulated the personnel of Matnog Police Station for putting
up a gallant stand against the enemy. They are: Senior Inspector Jesus
Callada, SPO3 Henry Colico, PO1 Dafi Haloc, PO1 Edward Gealone, PO2 Rodel
Grayda, PO1 Ernesto Raquel, PO1 Roel Villarin, SPO1 Emiliano Ramos, PO2
Menardo Garcera, SPO2 Noli Cerbito, and PO3 Arnel Garduque.
The PNP has assumed a more active role in internal security operations
udner Executive Order No. 546 recently issued by President Arroyo.
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