By Jason De Asis
FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija — A personnel from the 84th Infantry (Victorious) Battalion, Philippine Army died following an armed encounter between the members of the said unit and the members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in the hinterlands of Brgy San Fernando, Laur, Nueva Ecija on Sunday, October 08.
Major General Andrew D. Costelo, Commander of the 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, Philippine Army identified the fallen soldier as Private First Class Sher Nelson B. Casayuran who sustained a gunshot wound in the armpit and died at Dr. Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center in Cabanatuan City where he was rushed for treatment.
“The Kaugnay Troopers mourn for the loss of PFC Casayuran. His bravery, dedication, and heroism will not be forgotten as he offered his ultimate sacrifice just to protect the people of Laur,” Costelo said as he condemned the continued harassment of the members of CTG in the peace-loving communities in Laur forcing them to provide them logistical and operational support benefiting their cause
“While we mourn for the loss of one of our men, we assure the people of Laur that we will be relentless in pursuing the CTG in the area to stop their criminal activities,” the official said.
The armed encounter ensued following a tip-off from the residents of Brgy San Fernando to the 84IB that more or less 10 members of the CTGs were circling the area harassing the people by brandishing their guns and terrorizing them.
“We immediately ensure the security of the community that is why we sent our troops there to verify the information. These CTG members were armed and has been terrorizing the community. Pinipilit nilang sumuporta ang mga tao sa kanila kasi hindi na nga sila makagalaw dahil wala na silang suporta ng masa. Kaya panay ang pananakot nila sa mga tao,” MGen. Costelo said.
“Isusubo na nga lang ng mga mahihirap nating kababayan kakamkamin pa ng mga mapang abusong teroristang NPA na ito,” Costelo added.
Meanwhile, the Commander assured that the supreme sacrifice of the late PFC Casayuran will not be wasted as it will serve as an inspiration to all Kaugnay Troopers to give their best in their service to ensure peace and security in Central Luzon.
The Army’s 7ID reminds the people in Laur to remain calm yet vigilant and report to the authorities any unusual activities in their communities.
“We will conduct relentless combat operations in the area to identify personalities behind the armed encounter. Further, we would like to thank the people of Laur for their continued cooperation with the Army. Kung mayron man kayong makitang kahina-hinalang mga tao na armado sa inyong lugar, mangyari po lamang na ipag-bigay alam ninyo sa ating autoridad upang tugusin natin ang mga ito upang hindi na makapanakot sa ibang tao.”
