Ang Pahayagan

AURORA — A timely report from a concerned citizen sparked a brief firefight between government forces and remnants of the Communist insurgents in Barangay Ibona, Dingalan, Aurora, on Thursday, August 21.

According to the 703rd Infantry “Agila” Brigade, troops conducting security patrols engaged about ten members of the dismantled Komiteng Rehiyon Gitnang Luzon (KRGL) following the tip-off. The firefight lasted around ten minutes, with no casualties on the military side, while enemy losses remain unconfirmed.

After the clash, soldiers recovered several items believed to belong to the armed group, including backpacks, bandoliers, rifle magazines, a hand grenade, and communication equipment. Authorities said the seized war materiel would significantly hinder the CTG remnants’ mobility and capacity to regroup.

Brigadier General Eugenio Julio C. Osias IV, commander of the 703rd Infantry Brigade, credited the success of the operation to the vigilance of residents who continue to reject insurgent influence. “This encounter shows that the community stands firm against the remnants of the CTG. Their support makes our job possible,” Osias said.

He also renewed his call for the remaining CTG members to surrender and reintegrate into society, while urging local government officials to sustain close coordination with security forces.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has consistently emphasized that community involvement remains a decisive factor in its counterinsurgency campaign. With many villages already declared insurgency-free, military officials expressed hope that future encounters will give way to peace-building and development initiatives. (Jason de Asis)