CABADBARAN CITY, Agusan del Norte, Jan. 22 -- Troops of the 29th Infantry (MATATAG) Battalion resumed their offensive against the Communist New People's Army terrorists (CNTs) as they clashed with them again on January 16, 2020, in an uninhabited area of Maribuhok, Brgy. Bangayan, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte.
While on a combat operation, the 29IB troopers encountered more or less 10 CNTs believed to be members of Sentro De Grabidad (SDG) 16, Guerilla Front Committee (GFC) 16 of North Eastern Mindanao Regional Command (NEMRC) under alias Weng.
The firefight lasted for about 15 minutes; the troops continued to pursue the enemy but they hastily scampered in different directions leaving some of their valuable war materials such as one anti-personnel mine, two 40mm ammunition for M203 Grenade Launcher, 10 ponchos (raincoats), food supplies, other personal belongings, and subversive documents.
There was no casualty among the troops while there was an undetermined number of casualties on the side of the terrorists as indicated by bloodstains along their routes of withdrawal.
Such a positive encounter is a result of the civilians' cooperation with the Army to end the conflict in their area. It can also be recalled that Brgy. Bangayan of Kitcharao is one with the government in ending insurgency as they have declared CNTs as Persona Non-Grata (PNG) in their community through resolution No. 08 dated May 7, 2019, as well as the creation of their Barangay Task Force- ELCAC through resolution no. 01 on October 27, 2019.
Lt. Col. Isagani O. Criste, Commanding Officer of 29IB, was grateful for the information provided by the residents about the whereabouts of the CNTs. "This only proves that the residents are now ready to embrace change and peace in their area. This is evidence that you are now willing to 'walk the talk' which you have made as you signed the resolutions on PNG and BTF-ELCAC," he said.
"I know that the peace which we are all longing for is near at hand; we just need to believe so and do all we can to achieve it. Your Matatag troopers are always here to support and help you achieve the peace and development which you are all hoping for. We just need your continuous support and trust. In return, we promise to do our part," Criste added. (1Lt Miguel O Borromeo, CMO Officer, 29IB, PA/PIA Agusan del Norte)
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