Kalinaw News: A commander died, another captured and High-powered Firearms seized in Surigao del Norte Clash

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 31, 2021): A commander died, another captured and High-powered Firearms seized in Surigao del Norte Clash

Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte – A commander of the CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) died and another was captured in a clash between the troops of the 30th Infantry (Fight On) Battalion, Philippine Army against Sandatahang Yunit Pangpropaganda (SYP) Platoon 16C1, Guerilla Front (GF)16 of North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) under Roel Tremidal Neñiel alyas Jacob in the hinterlands of Brgy Lahi in Gigaquit on Tuesday morning, March 30, 2021.

The Government troops were sent out for patrol upon receipt of reliable information that a group of NPA was threatening the IP Communities whom they blamed for not facilitating their food supplies supposedly used to celebrate the NPA’s 52nd Founding Anniversary on March 29, 2021. While approaching the said location, the armed group of Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) fired upon the troops who immediately retaliated to defend themselves and an hour of gun battle ensued. This resulted to the death of an NPA commander, capture of another and recovery of one (1) M16 rifle, one (1) M203 grenade launcher, fragmentation grenades, food stuffs and personal belongings.

The NPA fatality was brought to Gades Funeral Homes at Brgy Campo, Bacuag, Surigao del Norte. He was identified as certain “Aka WAR” Vice Commanding Officer of SYP Platoon 16C1, GF16, NEMRC whose true name is withheld until his next of kin is notified. The captured rebel who was slightly wounded was administered with first aid by the troops at the encounter site and was evacuated at the Municipal Health Unit in Gigaquit for further medication. He was then handed over to Gigaquit Police for filing of appropriate criminal charges. He was identified as “Aka Bebot”.

It can be recalled that last March 18, 2021, another firefight transpired between the troops of 30IB and armed group of the CNT in Sitio Baliw, Brgy Payapag, Bacuag where one (1) male member were also killed, left behind by his comrades at the encounter site.

Lt Col Ryan Charles G Callanta, the Commanding Officer of 30IB said; I personally express my gratitude and appreciation to the local citizens of Surigao del Norte on their full cooperation in providing vital information regarding the CNTs plans and whereabouts, without their support, the CNTs may have been roaming freely and continue to wreck havoc and violence particularly against the Indigenous People’s communities. The cooperation of the people provides us the motivation particularly for our soldiers who are risking their lives to serve and protect the people against these lawless CNTs.

“On the other hand, I am deeply saddened once again on this tragedy, where another rebel loses his life paying the ultimate sacrifice while fighting for a senseless cause in an attempt to preserve a futile ideology of the CNTs. In behalf of my troops, I extend my condolences to the bereaved family of the dead CNT member”.

“The remaining Rebels are offered a lot of opportunities under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and will be granted with full amnesty by the Presidential Proclamation number 1093. At our ends, we will also provide all the necessary assistance to them just like what we did to the Former Rebels who are now enjoying their new lives or otherwise, same fate will happen to them if they choose to continue their futile struggle. We will conduct relentless military pursuit to run after them, and use all our available assets to eliminate those who attempt to disrupt the peace and development programs in Surigao del Norte,” LTC Callanta added

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