Military encounters private armed group in Leyte
TACLOBAN CITY (December 16) — Operatives of the 19th Infantry Battalion encountered unidentified armed men alleged to be members of private armed group, at Sitio Baras, Barangay Baril, San Isidro, Leyte, on December 14, 2009, about 6:00 0′clock in the morning.
The 19th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army disclosed that civilians observed the presence of unidentified armed men in their barangay.
For feat that said unidentified men might sow harm and damage in the area, the same civilians reported the observation to the 19th IB.
Upon receiving the report, a 19th IB team led by SSg Leano, immediately responded and went to the area to confirm the report.
True enough, the team encountered the armed group alleged to be elements of several landlords in the area.
A firefight ensued and lasted for about five minutes resulting to the death of one of the armed men and to the confiscation of one Ingram Sub machine gun pistol.
On the part of the government operatives, a certain Pfc Joseph Macabatas was wounded, brought to a hospital and is now in good condition.
The elements of the 19th Infantry Battalion gave the assurance that they are always ready to answer the call of duty for the sake of the people who need their services.
They also gave the assurance that they will continue to coordinate with the local police enforcers for the speedy conduct of the necessary services fpr the speedy resolution of the case.
