14 Chapter 12: Raid
Sitio Ocampo II
Sibalu Province, Bisaya Region
August 05, 2022 C.Y.
2100 Hours
Reports of armed men sightings in the area was reported by the locals. The military dispatched a search and pursuit operations for them. The Reds have became active lately and are committing criminal acts like extortion, intimidation, arson and illegal recruitment. Luis Alfonso along with some members of the Grey Hounds were deployed to the operation. Their mission is to gather intelligence and to apprehend key figures of the movement.
Sibalu is one of the remote provinces of the region. The presence of the Reds have not only hampered the government's effort to modernize and develop the province but also scare off potential investors and businessmen. The government have deployed troops in the island in its efforts to contain them.
There are fifteen men in the Lieutenant's squad and they are to infiltrate a makeshift camp that is located near the river. The camp is located at a strategic location, mines and other booby traps are also expected to be placed by the Reds. Other squads are now deployed to surround the camp and are waiting for Lieutenant Alfonso's group to reach the rendezvous point.
"We have reached the position." Lieutenant Alfonso contacted the H.Q.
"Noted, keep contact with friendlies. Take note that it is better to keep yourselves hidden for a while. Observe the camp first before taking a move."
In the outskirts of the camp there were sentries that were placed to take watch. There were at least seven of them that are scattered outside of the camp. Alfonso's squad then used their night vision goggles to see clearly through the night. The enemy's security seems to be tight and they cannot afford to get compromised as of yet.
The area is surrounded by the thick vegetation of the jungle. It is difficult to get a clear visibility of the camp. The enemies are using search lights for security. Watch towers were seen and enemy snipers in place.
"This is Omega squad, the camp is crawling with hostiles. Snipers confirmed on watchtowers, enemy sentries are everywhere. We may need a little distraction to keep some of them away, over!" Alfonso contacted H.Q. for assistance.
"That's a negative Omega squad, you will have to find a way to get pass through their defenses."
"Bullshit sir, what about the other squads?"
Before Alfonso could finish speaking he hears a loud shout from the distance. He turns his attention and saw people that are talking. It is the enemy, Luis told his men to hide as the enemy are closing in to their position. One of them went near to a tree to pee on it.
"It is a hot day isn't it Juan?" One of the armed men said.
"Indeed it is, I have been doing my laundry under the heat of the sun." The other armed men replied.
"Have you heard that Roman Villamor will return to the country?"
"Where have you heard of such rumor?"
"You do not know? The movement is now supported internationally by undisclosed groups. Maybe even some foreign powers. Finally the revolution will succeed!"
"We have been hiding for years in the mountains. At least we can finally take the fight to the cities."
Moments later after one of the armed men finished peeing on the tree the two finally left. Luis hearing the conversation of the two asked H.Q. about what he heard.
"H.Q. I would like to ask this information I heard. Is it true that the separatist leader will return to the country?"
"It's only rumors, but we cannot confirm since intelligence is still sketchy at this point. I think it is best for you to focus first on the mission."
"Roger that!" Luis replied.
Luis ordered his men to close in to the camp. There they saw a lot of armed men who were talking and having a smoke. His squad dispersed and luckily not one of them was noticed. Luis needs a plan in order to take out the enemy. He is positioned near the road which is covered by vegetation and large trees. He is at least eighty meters close to the camp hiding behind a tree. He is giving signals to his men to stand down.
"H.Q. we need to use force on this one. There's no way around and the enemy are too many!" Luis said recommending that he should use force on their entry.
"Roger that but we need to coordinate the other squads to approach their respective rendezvous points. You will have to wait for ten minutes and then you can strike." H.Q. replies to him.
"Roger that H.Q.!" Luis said and ended his transmission.
Meanwhile inside the camp, most of the militants were sleeping. There were few who were awake to take watch and are taking turns in doing so. A restless leader sits down near a rock with his rifle in his shoulder watches the stars above the sky.
"Such beauty is unrivaled!" The man said amazed in the beauty of the constellation.
"Indeed it is!" A woman replied to him with a cup of coffee both in her hands.
"Is it instacoffee?" The man asked.
"It is, you cannot be picky for supplies are short." The woman said and sat down beside him.
"Such a bummer!" The man complained and took the coffee with his right hand.
"It is hot, becareful!" The woman warned him who takes a sip with it.
"Roman will return, and finally finish the revolution he started ages ago." The woman said leaning on the man's shoulder.
"I do not agree with him returning." The man said in reply.
The woman chuckles and hugs him, "You do not have to worry about most of the things. I am sure that he is working what is best for this country..."
"Maybe..." The man replied disagreeing with her.
All of a sudden a huge explosion was heard from the direction north east of their position. Someone must have triggered a booby trap they devised to protect the perimeter. The explosion woke most of the militants in the camp and are scrambling for their weapons and are fortifying their positions. Feliciano and the woman also did the same and are organizing the camp's defenses.
Meanwhile, back on Luis' location, he sighs with disappointment on hearing the mishap. One of the men of Bravo squad have triggered a mine as they crossed a minefield. They may have taken another route but are complacent thus the enemy knows of their location. Luis prepares himself to advance as the enemy is now alerted. They have to hurry since time is against them.
