Kalinaw News: Army Continues to Score against NPAs in a Series of Clashes in Bukidnon, AgNor

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jan 1, 2021): Army Continues to Score against NPAs in a Series of Clashes in Bukidnon, AgNor

Bancasi, Butuan City – The 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade thru its operationally controlled Battalions, 58th Infantry (Dimalulupig) Battalion and 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion continued to score against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) in a series of clashes in the provinces of Misamis Oriental and Agusan del Norte on December 29 and 30, 2020, respectively.

The 402nd Infantry Brigade launched relentless focused military operations against the CNTs several weeks ago in anticipation of the CPP Anniversary on December 26 to avert NPA atrocities particularly the conduct of raids and ambushes against government troops and installations; killing of innocent IP leaders supportive to the government and burning of equipment of unsupportive private companies as highlights to celebrate said anniversary.

The initial skirmish between the CNTs and 58IB troopers resulted to the killing of one (1) NPA combatant killed identified as Leonido Pacheco alias Macdong of Special Partisan Unit (SPARU) of the Sub-Regional Committee 1 (SRC1); one (1) captured identified as Aman Bilayong alias Neri of Platoon Ryan, Motorola of SRC1 both under the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC); and seized two (2) M16 Rifles, one (1) KG-9 with magazines, ammunitions and subversive documents on December 29, 2020 in the outskirts of Brgy Silo-o, Malitbog, Bukdinon.

While yesterday, December 30, 2020, the troops of 23IB figured in a five (5) minute firefight against six (6) CNTs who are, remnants of the Guerilla Front 4A (GF4A) of NCMRC, at KM6, Purok 26, Sitio Lawaan, Brgy Tungao, Butuan City that resulted to the killing of one (1) CNT identified as alias Alas/Aylon and seized various war materiel namely: one (1) M14 Rifle, one (1) Caliber. 45 Pistol, one (1) magazine each for M14 and M16 Rifle, two (2) motorcycles, one (1) cellphone, one (1) generator, assorted food supplies and subversive documents.

In his statement, Brigadier General Maurito L Licudine, Commander of the 402nd Brigade, lauded his Battalion Commanders for the sacrifice and service of their troops who continuously performed their mandated task to drive away CNTs from communities to ensure that the holiday season will be celebrated joyfully and peacefully.

“We already know the practice of the NPAs to highlight CPP anniversary with deaths and suffering of innocent civilians to include other violent activities against government troops and even private companies. Hence, we never let our guards down and continue to be vigilant against the treachery and deception of the CNTs”, BGen Licudine said.

It can be recalled that on Christmas Eve, 58IB troops apprehended two (2) NPA couriers in the hinterlands of Talisayan, Misamis Oriental thru a tip from civilian residents. Said couriers were intercepted in an attempt to insert foodstuffs and supplies for Platoon Falcon, SRC1 of NCMRC. Seized also from their possession were one (1) hand grenade, three (3) detonating cords with blasting cap for anti-personnel mine, personal belongings and subversive documents.

“We will be unrelenting on our pursuit for peace in any given circumstance, even this yuletide season. Our troops are always ready to ensure that peace will be enjoyed by our people especially in the countryside”. BGen Licudine added.

While during the thwarted CPP anniversary celebration on December 26, 2020 due to the continuous presence of AFP troops conducting focused military operation and Community Support Program, the NCMRC met another setback on their weakened terrorist organization after six (6) Milisya ng Bayan (MB) members of GF88 operating in San Luis and some parts of Talacogon and La Paz, all of Agusan del Sur voluntary surrendered to 26IB troopers.

BGen Licudine explained that the surrenders and clashes indicated that the people are tired and wanted to end the path of violence and bloodshed brought by the NPAs. He called on for further vigilance and unity of all sectors especially the local government units and local government agencies to support the people in the far-flung brgys on their fight against the NPAs.

“We are calling everyone to join hands and rise up against the NPAs. This insurgency will not end unless we are united to stop the recruitment and the resource generation of the CNTs. Together, let us put an end to this problem and attain a lasting peace” BGen Licudine said.

[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]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/army-continues-to-score-against-npas-in-a-series-of-clashes-in-bukidnon-agnor/