SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte -- Two Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army terrorists (CNTs) were found dead in an encounter with the troops of 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB) in the outskirts of Sitio Little Baguio, Brgy. Payapag, Bacuag, Surigao del Norte on January 25, 2019.
The troops of 30IB conducted security operations in response to a report from a concerned citizen on the presence of NPAs in the said sitio. As they arrived in the area, they encountered an estimated 30 fully armed terrorists of Guerilla Front 16 (GF16) of North Eastern Mindanao Regional Command (NEMRC) led by Alias JD/Bern.
The firefight lasted for one and a half hours. After which, the CNTs scampered in different directions and resulted to zero casualty on the government side while a female and a male CNTs in their 20s were found dead in the encounter site. More of them are believed to be wounded in the clash as stains of blood were visible in the withdrawal route.
The cadavers were brought at the Bacuag Funeral Homes and were properly turned over to barangay officials and Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel for proper disposition and identification.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the bereaved families of the dead NPA terrorists. It is tragic that up to this moment, there are still people who are blinded by the failed ideologies of these terrorists. We have coordinated with the local government unit and our PNP counterparts to help us find their families and ensure that proper burial will be given,” said Lieutenant Colonel Allen Raymund Tomas, commanding officer of 30IB.
Moreover, the army troops also overran the CNTs’ lair that can accommodate 50 persons and recovered one AK47 rifle, one M16 rifle, one landmine with 100 meters electrical wire, three magazines of M16, 10 magazines of AK47, assorted medicines, personal belongings, and subversive documents.
Brigadier General Franco Nemesio Gacal, commander of 402nd Brigade, said the locals' timely information regarding the presence of CNTs in the area had helped the government troops in preempting possible NPA atrocities in connection with the celebration of the 50th NPA founding anniversary in March 2019.
“This is a great sign that the people are no longer allowing these terrorists to stay in there peaceful community. Rest assured that the Philippine Army will continue to take aggressive actions in order to stop the NPAs from committing crimes against the people,” said Gacal.
Major General Ronald Villanueva, 4th Infantry Division commander, also said the units under the 4ID have never stopped going after the NPA terrorists in their area of responsibility.
“We have not declared any suspension of operations even during the last holiday season and we are determined to end the deception and terrorism brought by Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) – NPA – National Democratic Front (NDF) or CNN in the communities,” he said.
On the other hand, members of the terrorist group who came to the realization that they are just being exploited are given the opportunity to go back to the folds of the law and return to the mainstream society. They can avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) being offered by the government," Villanueva added. (1Lt. Ken Enciso, 30IB, Phil. Army/VLG/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1017831
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