THE Special Action Force of the Philippine National Police (PNP-SAF), has proven it is in equal measure with their counterpart, the Philippine Army, in fighting ability and determination after engaging a group of terrorists in an hour-long firefight in Sitio Balik-balik, Bgy. Tabo, Ilog, Negros Occidental, past 7:00 am, September 14, 2021.
In an initial report to SAF director, P/MGen. Felipe Natividad, by the 6th Special Action Battalion, the encounter resulted to the death of 3 terrorists while 3 more were wounded.
Among the wounded was ‘Nilda Bertulano,’ the Southwest Front (SWC) secretary of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in Negros Island.
The photo provided to Pinoy Exposé indicated that Bertulano was previously arrested, October 7, 2013, for murder and rebellion.
The SAF units involved are from the 61st Special Action Company under P/Capt. Bill Fernando Jumalon; 64th Special Action Company headed by P/Capt. Honor Rey Hibaya; 65th Special Action Company under P/Lt. Carlo Vino Buaquen, with the support from the 2nd Negros Occidental Provincial Mobile Force Company.
The report also said that one terrorist decided to surrender while nine others were captured.
The police also recovered 4 M16 assault rifles and personal belongings of the terrorists.
One policeman was “slightly wounded” after being hit by a bullet in the chest but was saved by his armored vest.
Hot pursuit operation against the remaining terrorist band is still ongoing as of this posting.