Gen. Andres Centino, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), instructed the entire military force to further intensify their security operations against communist and local terrorist groups as the May 9 national and local elections draw near.
Centino stressed that the troops have a responsibility to secure the country and prevent communist and terrorist groups from spoiling the upcoming polls.
“The national and local elections are fast approaching. Rest assured that the AFP, in collaboration with the PNP and PCG , is doing its best to ensure that our people can exercise their right to vote for their leaders without fear and intimidation,” Centino said in a statement on Monday, April 18.
Last Sunday, operating troops of the Philippine Army’s 76th Infantry Battalion (76IB) encountered eight suspected communist rebels in Gloria, Oriental Mindoro.
A military report said the troops acted upon a report from concerned civilians that there were armed men who were allegedly threatening residents at their farms at Sitio Pitong Gatang in Barangay Manguyang.
The soldiers then went to Sitio Pitong Gatang to verify the report but they were allegedly fired upon by the communist rebels when they reached the area.
A 10-minute firefight occurred between the rebels and the soldiers until the enemies were forced to retreat
There was no reported casualty from both sides but the military seized two M16 rifles with magazines, eight cellphones, flashdrives, five anti-personnel mines, a handheld radio, and personal documents at the clash site.
Centino told the 76IB unit to pursue the rebels and ensure the safety of the people in the municipality of Gloria.