SECURITY FORCES ENCOUNTER WITH UNIDENTIFIED GROUP IN BASILAN; ONE DEAD

BY: LT COL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office

A reported member of suspected criminal group operating in Basilan was killed during an encounter with the Marines led by 1Lt Ryan Lacuesta PN(M), and members of the PNP last Sunday night, 09 August 2009. Killed during the encounter was a certain Padjing Pasa when his group of about eight armed men engaged in a fire fight with the combined group of 29th Company of Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT) 9 and a platoon of PNP Special Action Force in Bohe Piyat, Baiwas, Sumisip, Basilan Province.

Immediately, the 51st Company of the First Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT1) provided 81MM mortar indirect fire support. The enemy withdrew towards south direction after more or less 20 minutes exchange of fire.

After the encounter, the 51^st MC conducted clearing operations while Special Operations Platoon of 1^st Marine Battalion established blocking position together with one (1) Special Action Force Team from Pamatsaken Patrol Base.

he Marines and PNP will continue to strengthen its patrol operations to combat the proliferation of lawless elements in the South.