5 CPP-NPA terrorists die in Lanao del Sur encounter

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 4, 2021): 5 CPP-NPA terrorists die in Lanao del Sur encounter (By 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army) 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 3 - Five CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) died in an encounter with government troops in the boundary of Talakag, Bukidnon and Tagoloan II in Lanao del Sur, ‪Tuesday morning, Feb. 2.

The firefight erupted when elements of the 1st Special Forces Battalion (SFBn)were conducting security operation and encountered more or less 30 armed CNTs believed to be members of the Sub-Regional Command (SRC) 5 and Sub-Regional Command (SRC) 4 under the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC), ‪at around 9:00 a.m. in the vicinity of Barangay Gayakay, Tagoloan II. The exchange of fire lasted for one hour.‬

The encounter happened anew ‪at around 11:00 a.m. of the same day with the same armed group, which lasted for about 30 minutes.‬

Recovered from the encounter site were five (5) cadavers of killed CNTs, six (6) high-powered firearms composed of three (3) M16 rifles, two (2) Garand rifles, and one (1) M14 rifle.

LtCol. Vercisio San Jose Jr, 1st SFBn Commanding Officer, confirmed no casualty on their side.

Pursuit operation is ongoing against the armed group.

BGen. Ferdinand Barandon, commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, said in a statement that the incident resulted from the community’s growing support to the army that constantly reports the presence of CNTs in their area.

Moreover, MGen. Andres Centino, commander of the 4th Infantry Division and JTF Diamond, said the security operations would continue against the CNTs until they surrender to the government or abandon the armed struggle.

"Again, we are calling the remaining CNTs to lay down your arms, join the government’s call for peace, and avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) so you will have a peaceful and productive life with your family,” Centino said.

He also extended condolences to the families of the killed rebels and assured them that they will be given a decent burial.

The 1st SFBn already coordinated with the Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office for the cadavers' proper disposition and had their identity confirmed. (DPAO)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1065950