MANILA, Philippines (May 1, 2012) - The commander of the 9th Infantry Division relieves an Army battalion commander from his post following a recent attack by communist rebels in Camarines Norte that left four soldiers and a civilian dead.
Maj. Gen. Josue Gaverza, commander of the Army’s 9th division, said Lt. Col. Epimaco Macalisang has been relieved as chief of the 34th Infantry Battalion on the basis of command responsibility.
“The military rules work that way. If you have a debacle, you should give way to others who can do better. That is expected,” Gaverza said.
On Sunday, four soldiers and a civilian were killed after insurgents attacked members of the 49th battalion in Labo, Camarines Norte.
Slain during the attack were Cpl. Amado Perillo, Pfc. Paulo Orticio, Pfc. Teodoro Ojeda and Pfc. Sonecio D. Potian and a civilian identified as Francisco Ruales.
The rebels carted six M16 rifles, a K3 sub machinegun and a caliber .45 pistol from the soldiers. (From Philstar.com)