Classes were suspended in several schools in San Fernando, Camarines Sur due to a violent encounter between the military and suspected members of a rebel group early morning on August 2, 2024.
A series of gunshots disturbed residents in Barangay Bocal. A resident said people were running everywhere with some still covered in soap as they were in the bath at that time.
"Kanya-kanya na pong daralaganan, si iba po may mga sabon pa po ngani ta nagkakarigos po ngani—nagpahiripli na po kami digdi sa harong," she said.
"Grabe po talaga si arak-asak po tapos may mga bomba po na nagsasarabog akala mi po talaga haranihon lang po talaga digdi samuya," she added.
In response, classes were suspended in schools across the affected barangays including:
- Tagpocol,
- Bocal,
- Marangi,
- Dakulang Tubig; and,
- Pipian
According to the 9th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, about 20 rebels engaged in the clash with combined military and police forces.
Clearing operations at the encounter site confirmed that one alleged rebel group member was killed in action.
“Accordingly may mga armado o ‘di kilalang armado doon na nagco-onduct ng extortion activity ‘dun sa kanilang lugar," Major Frank Roldan, Chief of the Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO) of the 9th Infantry Division (9ID) of the Philippine Army (PA), said.
"Kaya’t ang ating kapulisan at kasundaluhan ay nagbuo ng pinag-isang pwersa para magsagawa ng operation," Roldan added.
Authorities are pursuing the fleeing rebels and have set up checkpoints.
