LETTER

HEADQUARTERS
NORTHERN LUZON COMMAND
ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES
Camp General Servillano Aquino, San Miguel, Tarlac

26 October 2001

Ms Letty Jimenez-Magsanoc
Editor-in-Chief, Philippine Daily Inquirer
Chino Roces Ave., cor. Yague & Mascardo St., Makati City

Dear Madam:

This has reference to a news article entitled "Probe of Ecija killings sought" published on October 26, 2001 in the Across the Nation column, from the PDI Central Luzon Desk written /reported by Anselmo Roque and Tonette Orejas.

We understand the concern of some cause oriented group in the death of 5 residents of Nueva Ecija for it is part of their sworn duty to safeguard human lives. But contrary to what is projected in the media, the encounter that transpired in Sitio Tuli, Barangay Conversion, Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija last October 8 is a legitimate military operation that led to the death of a gallant officer in the person of Captain Rogelio Elijino, intelligence and operations officer of the 54th Infantry Battalion who commanded the operating troops and the wounding of Sgt. Melchor Rivera. There was no massacre of civilians as alleged.

The operations conducted by a composite section of said battalion and 51st Reconnaissance Company headed by Capt. Elijino was triggered by intelligence reports that the CPP/NPA leadership in Nueva Ecija that attended a plenum in Brgy Burgos, Carrangalan are contemplating to launch offensives against the AFP/PNP detachments and harass an Italian-Thai construction firm and trucking companies in the province for refusing to pay "revolutionary taxes". They also planned to ambush military/PNP convoys and other VIPs going to Paoan, Pantabangan during and after the inauguration of the Casecnan Multi Purpose Project (CMPP) by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo expected to be conducted on October 12 to embarrass the Commander-in-Chief, expected to be conducted on October 12 to embarrass the Commander-in-Chief. Unknown to the NPA rebels the inauguration of the project had been previously reset.

Reacting on tip of from reliable civilian sources, Capt Elijino and his men wasted no time in pursuing a large group of heavily armed NPA terrorists. It was 11:45 in the morning that a platoon size of rebels was spotted at the vicinity of Pantabangan River. The two NPA look-out immediately fired their guns at the approaching soldiers, while the rest tried to swim across the dam and engage the advancing troops.

The 5-hour firefight resulted to the death of five (5) rebels (body count) and although five others are believed to have been killed but their bodies were dragged away by their comrades as they made their escape on the government side. Capt Elijino and Sgt Melchor Rivera were hit by M203 shrapnel. They were evacuated at Premier General Hospital in Cabanatuan City, but the officer expired the following day due to multiple shrapnel wounds on the head and right leg. Arms recovered include one (1) cal. 30 Light Machine Gun, three (3) M16armalite rifles, 55 rounds Cartridge Cal. 30 (10)jungle packs with NPA's personal belongings and subversive documents.

As before, the allegations of a "massacre" is made in other previous tactical engagements by the AFP with the rebels are being done by leftist support group linked with the National Democratic Front to malign and vilify the military especially in case where the AFP has scored heavily against the communist dissidents. This particular case shows the insensitivity and utter disregard by rebel propagandists of the heroism of Capt Elijino who gallantly fought and led his troops in the encounter resulting to his death, including the wounding of Sgt Rivera. Capt Elijino is a member of PMA Class 1994. He was posthumously awarded the Gold Cross Medal for gallantry in combat. The award was received by his mother, Mrs Nenita Elijino during his interment last 14 October at San Isidro, Nueva Ecija.

We would like to assure you that the Northern Luzon command (NOLCOM) will not tolerate any wrongdoings of our soldiers. Our Commander, Major General Rodolfo C Garcia made himself very clear on this matter, hence, you can be assured that the welfare of our civilian populace is foremost in our agenda.

Your prompt deliberation on this matter will be highly appreciated, so that the public may be informed accordingly.

Very truly yours,

EDUARDO S. PINSON
Col FA (GSC) PA
ACS for CMO, AC7