We got information that the HUKS were training their recruits in Mt. Pinatubo, Zambales (the volcano that exploded in 1991), where two cadre barracks called Station University were spotted by planes of the U.S. Air Force from Clark Air Base.
This mountain overlooking Clark Air Base was infested by Huks. They had to be driven away or destroyed.
With three Battalion Combat Teams (BCT), Col. Alfonso Corello as Chief, IMA, headed the operations, assisted by Lt. Col. Manuel T. Flores.
In addition to my other duties, I was designated PRO and Court Martial Officer, IMA, with the troops in the field.
We started our “Sweeping Operations” in Santa Cruz, Zambales, down to Olongapo.
My job was coordinating the activities of the civilian government with the military forces so as not to antagonize the civilians against the soldiers.
I also brought movie facilities to entertain the soldiers and the civilians.
At night I got assigned as Inspecting Officer to visit the outposts. Very often I found the guards sleeping on post, punishable by Court Martial. But these soldiers were really exhausted from combing the forest for Huks and could not help but sleep. I just woke them up but did not Court Martial them.
We finally burned their Station University barracks but the Huks escaped because as we were ascending by truck into their lair, they were looking down at us from the mountaintop. One officer, Lt. San Juan, was ambushed.
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