FIVE alleged members of the rebel movement dubbed Bohol Party Committee (BPC) and a policeman were dead and a another injured in a fierce gunfight that lasted almost three hours in barangay Campagao, Bilar town, according to a press statement.
The firefight began at past six in the morning on Feb. 23 in sitio Matin-ao of said barangay that gripped the residents nearby in fear.
The law enforcers were about to serve warrant of arrest of the rebels head, according to a resident here in interview and confirmed by the AFP statement.
Rebel fatalities were identified as Domingo J. Compoc, alias “Silong” Squad Leader of Remnants of BPC and former Commanding Officer of Sandatahang Yunit Pangpropaganda (SYP) Platoon of BPC and Most Wanted Person in Bohol; Parlito Segovia, alias “Aldrin,” Assistant Squad Leader and Political Guide; Marlon Omosura alias “Darwin,” Squad Member; Hannah Joy Cesista alias “Maya”/”Lean;” and a certain alias “Juaning”, a squad member.
Compoc has a prize tag of P2.6 million on his head for the crimes — rebellion, homicide, attempted homicide, multiple murder, frustrated murder, and robbery — he has allegedly committed, according to the statement of AFP Visayas command.
High powered guns and ammunition include one (1) unit M16 Baby Armalite Rifle; one (1) unit R4 M16 Rifle; one (1)unit M16 Rifle; and three (3) units of caliber .45 pistol were recovered from the firefight scene after the SOCO examination.
“PCPL Gilbert Amper incurred a fatal shot which resulted in his untimely demise while another policeman is now being treated in an undisclosed hospital,” the statement said.
Gov. Aris Aumentado, who visited the encounter scene after the “clearing,” told media interview that he is calling those who remain as rebels to come down since the government will help them even as he fully support the law enforcers job to make Bohol peaceful.
Vice-Guv Victor Balite, Board Members Lucille Lagunay, Greg Jala and Nathaniel Binlod also visited the encounter scene and saw for themselves the situation after the gunfight.
Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Officer Anthony Damalerio told media interview that about 205 families were affected. He said that his office with the assistance of Provincial Social Welfare office prepared some 500 food packs and distributed to the evacuees who are expected to stay overnight at the covered court.
In separate interview, barangay captain Dennis Remedio said that some 20 of families were evacuated at the barangay’s covered court and those affected are advised to stay their homes and others to their nearby relatives for safety.
In separate interview, Bilar Mayor Norman Palacio said in interview that this may be an isolated case and the town situation is manageable and remains peaceful.
It will be recalled that in September last year six rebels were dead in an encounter in the same barangay. The son of Compoc was one of the fatalities. (Ric V. Obedencio)
