CAMP SANG-AN, Labangan Zamboanga del Sur – One communist NPA terrorist (CNT) member was killed and yielded three high-powered firearms, 36 sacks of rice and other war materiel to Army’s 49th Infantry Battalion in Brgy Buntalis, Lumba-Bayabao, Lanao del Sur 9:30 a.m., Saturday.
According to Lt. Col. Benjamin Tapnio, Commanding Officer of 49th Infantry Battalion, they’ve out-maneuvered the 20 NPA terrorist in their lair, whom the group were also operating in the hinterland boundaries of Bukidnon and Iligan.
No government trooper was wounded in the firefight and pursuit operation is conducted to neutralize the remaining terrorist who also suffered numbers of injured due to bloodstains in their withdrawal route.
Around 2:40 p.m. today, the pursuit troops also engaged the same group. The 3-minute firefight incurred no casualties both sides.
Meanwhile, Col. Jose Maria Cuerpo II, the 103rd Infantry Brigade Commander said that, “We’ve already identified their (CNTs) lairs and we call on those who were wounded to lay down their arms peacefully, to have a proper medical attention.”
“These NPA terrorist group were the ones conducting tactical offensives and ambuscades of government troops in Bukidnon near the boundary of Lanao del Sur province”, added Col. Cuerpo.
He also thanked the residents and the concerned citizen for the timely and accurate report that led to the successful encounter in favor of the government troops.
Col Cuerpo also added that the terrorist group threatened the frontliners who were helping the communities in defeating and mitigating the spead of Covid-19 disease.
For his part, Major General Gene Ponio, Commander of the 1st Infantry (TABAK) Division, lauded the accomplishment of 49th IB and 103rd Infantry Brigade.
He also urge the Communist NPA to surrender and avail the government’s Enhanced Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
However, he also expressed his sympathy to the family and relatives of the NPA terrorist who was killed.
“It is very tragic that he has taken arms against the people of Lanao del Sur when only through peace can development and social justice be achieved”, said MGen Ponio.
Troops of 49IB are also in close communication with the barangay officials to ensure the safety and security of the residents in the area.
[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]
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