Camp Aquino , Tarlac City - Government forces successfully preempted acts of terrorism by a ragtag group of NPA in Sitio Sablang, Barangay Diteki, San Luis, Aurora last Thursday (30 0ct).

Reports reaching NOLCOM Chief, Lt. General Isagani Cachuela state that shortly before lunch, joint elements of the 48th Infantry Battalion under Lt. Lobusta and Lt. Nicolas together with 301st PNP Provincial Mobile Group, 72nd Division Reconnaissance Company under Senior Inspector Cacho established blocking force in the village to prevent the passage of illegal logs that was tipped off by an informant.

However, they were fired upon by more or less 15 rebels who turned out to be protectors of the hot items.

The exchange of fire lasted for about 15 minutes, after which the rebels scampered for safety, bringing along their wounded comrades.

In their haste, the group left two (2) US rifle cal. 5.56 mm M16,one(1) cal. 45 pistol, one (1) fragmentation grenade, two (2) handheld radios, four (4) backpacks full of uncooked rice, assorted foodstuffs and medicines, subversive documents, and some personal belongings.

The firearms are now in the custody of the Aurora PNP Provincial Office for safekeeping.

Lt. Gen. Cachuela directed all units in the field to sustain their vigilance in order to make sure that no untoward incident will happen especially when the people celebrate All Saints Day and commemorate the faithful departed.

The NPA terrorists have no regard for these important occasions, so better be prepared for surprise attacks rather than be caught on flat-foot, he said.