53IB thwarts New People’s Army extortion activities

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, ZAMBOSUR – At least 5 members of the army belong to the 53^rd Infantry Battalion were wounded in an encounter between the members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Sitio Ludiaw, Brgy Dagum, Lakewood, Zamboanga del Sur on June 24, 2013.

The gun fight had lasted for almost two hours leaving slightly wounded in the government side caused by sharp nails from a detonated landmine while still undetermined on the enemy side that immediately withdrew after the fire fight.

Division Public Affairs Office Officer in Charge Captain Jefferson Somera said that on or about 8:00 in the morning while the 3 Platoons of 53^rd Infantry Battalion under the command of Lt. Col. Victor S Tangawohn conducting security operations encountered more or less 50 members of the New People’s Army (NPA) under the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee.

According to Lt. Col Tangawohn, his unit received information from concerned citizens that there were groups of armed men conducting house to house visitation in their area that caused fear and panic to the residents.  This prompted him to send troops to verify the information. The responding soldiers immediately located the enemy’s whereabouts and the New People’s Army immediately fire at the troops and detonated in placed landmines when sensing that their harbour site has been penetrated by the government forces.

As of this time, clearing operation is still ongoing.