Secretary Mamba Awards 5ID Personnel for Exemplary Performance in IPSP “Bayanihan”

Hon. Manuel N Mamba, Secretary of Presidential Legislative Liaison Office, awards Military Merit Medal to a trooper of 5^th Infantry (Star) Division, Philippine Army for his exemplary performance in the conduct of AFP IPSP “Bayanihan”. Assisting him is MGEN BENITO ANTONIO T DE LEON AFP, COMMANDER, 5ID.
 

Camp Melchor F dela Cruz, Upi, Gamu, Isabela –   Secretary Manuel Mamba, the head  of the Presidential Legislative  Liaison  Office awarded 13 personnel of the Army’s 5^th Infantry (Star) Division for their exemplary performances in the conduct of AFP Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) “Bayanihan”  during the Monday Flag-raising ceremony held at the Division Grandstand on May 5, 2014.     

             

            Secretary Mamba who was the Guest of Honor and Speaker during the said ceremony was assisted by MGen Benito Antonio T De Leon, Commander of the Army’s 5^th Infantry (Star) Division in giving Military Merit Medals to 11 deserving personnel of the Command for their meritorious services rendered.

In his message to the Star troopers, Secretary Mamba urged the leadership of 5ID Commander to lead the soldiers through the straight and narrow path of justice, honor and service and guide them through the challenges that come hand in hand with the sacrifices each and every soldier has embraced in the service of God and country

He said that the life of our Filipino soldiers is full of sacrifice because of limited resources as compared to soldiers of rich nations. However, “the plight of our soldiers has not gone unnoticed under the leadership of our Commander-In-Chief, His Excellency Benigno Simeon Aquino III”, he added.

He, further praised the new campaign strategy of the AFP which is the Internal Peace and Security Plan “Bayanihan”.  “This Bayanihan activity was immensely demonstrated by our Filipino soldiers together with American soldiers to the victims of Typhoon Yolanda which served as shining example to the whole world that if we stand united, there are no obstacles that cannot be hurdled, there are no tragedies that cannot be overcome,” he emphasized. He further added that “As partner for peace and development, the combat soldier transformed themselves into developer who shared a genuine concern not only the security of our people but  also for their general well-being,” he also stressed.

Secretary Mamba complimented the troops and further gave his deepest gratitude to the 5ID under the leadership of MGen Benito Antonio T De Leon for inviting him  to deliver a message to the Star Troopers as a fellow public servant sharing in their mission of serving the people.

NPA Remnants Ambushed Government Forces in Ilocos Sur

Camp Melchor F dela Cruz, Upi, Gamu, Isabela – Government forces were ambushed by undetermined number of NPA remnants believed to be elements of Kilusang Larangang Gerilya (KLG) Montes under unknown leader at the vicinity of Sitio Daing, Brgy Remedios, Cervantes, Ilocos Sur at about 9:30 this morning.

The government forces belong to the Army’s 50th Infantry Battalion.  They were ambushed  by the NPA remnants while going back to their Company Post after conducting “Bayanihan” activity in the area.

Although outnumbered, the army troops onboard a KM450 vehicle fought and were able to repulse the attack initiated by the NPA remnants and even captured one (1) cal 45 pistol from them.  Unfortunately, there are three (3) killed in action and one (1) wounded on the government side.  As of press time, the identities of the victims cannot be disclosed for we are still informing their families.

Alpha Company of 50IB conducted reinforcement and pursuit operations against the withdrawing NPA remnants to ensure the safety and protection of the local residents in the area who suffered from the extortion and violent activities of the NPA rebels.

NPA remnants shoot development army troopers in Ilocos Sur

Camp Melchor F dela Cruz, Upi, Gamu, Isabela –   In a desperate move to stop peace and developments in some parts of Ilocos Region, an undetermined number of  NPA remnants fired at the Philippine Army troops in Barangay Malideg, Quirino, Ilocos Sur 4 a.m May 2, 2014.

 

“The army troops belong to the Peace and Development Teams of the 50^th Infantry Battalion, 5^th Infantry Division, Philippine Army who were on their way back to their base after attending a meeting with local officials in Abra the day before,” said Ltc Richard N. Sibayan, commanding officer, 50^th Infantry Battalion,5ID,PA.

 

Initial report states that one fatality army trooper and six army troopers were wounded as a result of the shooting.  The names of the victims could not be released as of this time pending notification to the families of the victims.

 

According to Sibayan, the troops went to Abra the day before to assist some personnel of other government agencies to coordinate with the local government officials in Abra for the implementation of the improvement of the Quirino-Bolingon    road projects and the repair of the bridge along the said road.

 

“When an undetermined number of NPA remnants fired upon the soldiers who were aboard a KM450 truck vehicle, the soldiers  gallantry returned fire and firefight ensued which lasted until 6 a.m.,” said Sibayan.

 

Reinforcement troops  and medical teams of the said unit went immediately to the place of incident to provide assistance to the soldiers.  The lone fatality soldier and the six wounded troopers were immediately evacuated to the nearest hospital in Quirino town for medical treatment.  Hot pursuit operations are being conducted by the said army unit.

 

According to Sibayan, he believes that the NPA remnants also suffered an undetermined number of casualties because of the bloodstains and recovered belongings of the NPAs.

 

“This unfortunate incident only shows that the NPA remnants in the area are out there to impede the local government’s vision of further developments for the benefit and the common good of the populace not only in the municipalities of Cervantes and Quirino but also in the whole province of Ilocos Sur and other surrounding areas,” added Sibayan.