Scout Ranger officer killed in Basilan

MANILA, Philippines — A Scout Ranger officer was killed in Basilan on Tuesday, October 8, while they were conducting security operations.

Captain Harold Camazo, 31, was killed in Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan in an encounter with combined forces of the Abu Sayyaf Group and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, according to Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Randolph G Cabangbang.

Fighting is still ongoing as of posting.

Camazo was the commanding officer of the 11th Scout Ranger Company, Fourth Scout Ranger Regiment, Special Operations Command. He was a 2005 graduate of the Philippine Military Academy, married, and hailed from Magsaysay, Occidental Mindoro.

The military also traded fire with the ASG in Sumisip, Basilan, which led to the killing of one soldier and 2 ASG members.

Col Carlito Galvez, 104th Brigade commander, said the operation was meant to clear the Basilan Circumferential Road (BCR) and “ensure the safety of civilian motorists.”

“The operation also intends to neutralize the lawless elements threatening the major thoroughfare along Brgys Sapah Bulak and Upper Cabengbeng both of Sumisip, Basilan,” the military said. — Rappler.com