Ipil, ZSP — An 18 year old, female member of the Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) was rescued by the Army’s 97th Infantry KALASAGLAHI Battalion (97IB) after being wounded during an armed clash at Sitio Kasong, Barangay Midatag, Leon B Postigo, Zamboanga del Norte, August 5, 2020.
The female CNT was identified as alias Jekjek, a Medic and Political Instructor of HQ KALAW, of the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC).
She was hit by a bullet in her left gluteal area (buttocks) during a ten-minute firefight after residents of the Sitio reported that armed group stole a pig and food stuffs.
There were no casualties incurred on the government side during the armed clash.
“The troops immediately rescued Jekjek after the clash, provided medical first aid and immediately brought her to the nearest hospital“, Lt. Col. Manaros M Boransing, Commanding Officer, 97th IB said on his statement.
“Jekjek was recruited when she was 14 years, brainwashed by the leaders and legal fronts of the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs), used and abused during her time with the group and eventually abandoned when she was wounded. That is how they (CNT) treat their members” Lt. Col. Boransing added.
On his part, Brigadier General Leonel M. Nicolas, the Commander of the Army’s 102nd Infantry IGSOON Brigade, who has operational control of 97th IB called on the remaining members of the WMRPC to return to the community by laying down their weapons and taking advantage of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
“The Army will not stop until ultimate peace is attained in the Province of Zamboanga del Norte and the whole Zamboanga Peninsula. Terrorism and armed rebellion has no place in our community, and in our country” Brigadier General Nicolas said.
It can be recalled that alias Lando, another CNT member was also rescued by the Army last May 6 and have recovered from the wounds sustained after he was abandoned by his comrades.
Alias Lando as of today is benefiting the assistance and programs provided by the government.
Maj. Gen. Gene Ponio, Commander, 1st Infantry Division, commended the troops for demonstrating a great respect to human rights to the adversaries.
“This is a manefistation that our troops on the ground have high regards in the protection of human rights to include the lives of our enemies,” Maj. Gen. Ponio said.
“Rest assured that the Tabak Division in close coordination with the Local Government Units will provide necessary medical assistance to the rescued CNT,” Maj. Gen. Ponio added.
As of this posting, troops are still conducting pursuit operations against the fleeing CNT members.
(Source: 97IB-PIO ZAMBONORTE)