Kalinaw News: High-ranking NPA rebels in North Cotabato seize with their war materiel

From Kalinaw News (May 27, 2021): High-ranking NPA rebels in North Cotabato seize with their war materiel



Makilala, North Cotabato – Troops of 39th Infantry Battalion (39IB) under 10th Infantry (Agila) Division engage in a 20-minute firefight with thirteen (13) members of communist terrorist NPA under the remaining joined forces of Pulang Bagani Command (PBC) and (Dismantled Guerilla Front 51) of Sub-Regional Command 3 of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee on May 20, 2021, at Brgy. New Israel, Makilala, North Cotabato. Seven (7) high value individuals were captured and eleven (11) high-powered firearms and war materiel. Following the clash, the troops had recovered; 150 rounds of linked 7.62mm ammo, one (1) hand grenade, one (1) mobile phone, five (5) back packs, two (2) butanes, one (1) burner, assorted medical items, and subversive documents.

The 39IB deployed more troops to block the possible exit and withdrawal points of the terrorist towards the northeastern direction from the encounter area. On May 21, 2021, after the hot pursuit of the ground troops, 39IB had captured four (4) high value individuals from the same group that includes a Secretary of PBC in Sitio Upper Lukatong, Brgy. Biangan, Makilala, North Cotabato recovering high powered firearms and other war materiel and the voluntary surrender of two others on the following day.

The apprehended high value rebels identified are Alias MARUZ, Secretary of Pulang Bagani Command, SRC3, SMRC, a resident of Mati, Davao Oriental; Alias NIÑA, member of Regional Medical Staff and Platoon Medic of Pulang Bagani Command, SRC 3, SMRC, a resident of Arakan, North Cotabato; Alias YUMI, Head of Regional Medical Staff, SMRC, and Political Instructor of PBC, SRC3, SMRC, a resident of Bayugan Uno, Agusan Del Sur; Alias KID, Squad Leader Segunda, PBC, SRC3, SMRC, a resident of Brgy. Catigan, Toril, Davao City; Alias GLEEN, Platoon Medic, PBC, SRC3, SMRC, a resident of Brgy Saliducon, Sta Cruz, DDS and wounded during the encounter; Alias ROY, VCO of PBC, SRC3, SMRC, resident of Prk 5, Brgy Paradise, Paquibato District, Davao City and also wounded during the encounter; Alias ENTING/RUBY, member, Squad 1, PBC, SRC3, SMRC and a resident of Purok 10, Brgy Punda Gitan, Sigaboy, Davao Oriental Other batch surrendered on May 22, 2021 at Brgy Biangan, Makilala, North Cotabato are Alias JOJO, Member and Medical Team, PBC, SRC3, SMRC: Alias JAL, Team Leader, Baking Squad, PBC, SRC3, SMRC: Alias LIM, GP, Squad 2, PBC, SRC3, SMRC: Alias CARDO, Member/SO, PBC, SRC3, SMRC: Alias NONO, Member, YUMIL, PBC, SRC3, SMRC. Meanwhile, wounded rebels Alias Gleen, Roy, and Kid were rushed and treated to a hospital in Davao City after the firefight. Furthermore, eleven (11) firearms were recovered these includes three (3) Bushmaster Rifles, Three (3) M16 Rifles, One (1) M16 Rifle with an attached M203, Three (3) M653 Rifle, One (1) M60 Machine Gun, and several war materiel.

The apprehended rebels with warrant of arrest Alias Maruz, who has a standing case for murder, robbery, homicide, and other cases will undergo proper disposition of the cases for each charge before the court, while the recovered firearms are in the safekeeping and custody of 39th Infantry Battalion for proper disposition. In a press conference on May 26, 2021, at 39IB headquarters in Makilala, North Cotabato, 10th Infantry Division, Commander Major General Ernesto C Torres Jr. credited the successful encounter last week to the active participation of the communities on information gathering that led to the defeat of PBC and its remaining cohorts. According to records, extortion activities of PBC/DGF51 from 2019 to 2020 was approximately Php 3.3 Million from 125 extortion engagements from private business and individuals, to include even some politicians. “The success of the encounter is a product of communities well-prepared to help the government in combating insurgents lurking in their areas,” Maj. Gen. Torres stressed. Moreover, North Cotabato Governor Nancy Catamco said during the press conference that the fall of PBC is a result of the peace and development efforts of the province with 36 barangays already cleared. “The defeat of PBC is a pronouncement that North Cotabato is for peace and development. I hope we can totally eradicate the insurgencies,” Governor Catamco said.

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