BUTUAN CITY ,Philippines – Gunfire from soldiers conducting military exercises last Saturday near a compound where foreign and local journalists were billeted caused panic in the area.
Members of the crew of the US-based Roy Pate Adventure and local TV-5 were filming a documentary on giant crocodiles in Agusan Marsh, near Bulawan, where the giant crocodile “Lolong” was captured last Sept. 3.
Belated reports from the Caraga Police Regional Information Office said that at about 8:30 p.m. When members of the group were resting at the Jigwood Compound in Barangay San Nicolas, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, gunshots were heard, prompting policemen who were detailed as the group’s security to check on the incident.
Some areas in Agusan del Sur have lately been the target of rebel attacks.
Policemen said the live firing was part of the military exercise (Camp Defense Plan) of the 26IB Philippine Army (PA) under Lt. Col. Nhiel Richard Patricio based in the province.
It was not clear whether the 26th IB had coordinated with the police on the conduct of military exercises in the area.
A source, however, said the military had actually engaged an undetermined number of New People’s Army rebels in a gun battle, but the police would not confirm this.
The US-based Roy Pate Adventure entered into an agreement with the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of Agusan Marsh represented by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 13 and local government units of Talacogon, Agusan del Sur represented by Mayor Isaias Masendo to do a documentary film in the area.
PAMB has granted a special permit to local government units to catch giant crocodiles in the area while Roy Pate Adventures was allowed to hunt/capture crocodile and document activities related to the capture.
A team from the 26th IB was tasked to provide perimeter security to the group, the PNP report said.