Kalinaw News: 6 Reds Slain, Firearms Seized as EastMinCom Troops Swoop Down on CTG forces

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 21, 2021): 6 Reds Slain, Firearms Seized as EastMinCom Troops Swoop Down on CTG forces



NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) under the leadership of LtGen. Greg T. Almerol continues to alter the operational balance of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) as it brought down six more communist terrorists in intensified joint military operations separately launched by the troops at Sitio Cogon-Cogon, Brgy Manalog, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon and in Brgy Bugsukan, Butuan City on September 20, 2021.

In a statement, LtGen. Almerol said that the combined forces of the 1st Special Forces Battalion (1SFBn) and 403rd Brigade’s 8th Infantry Battalion, 88th Infantry Battalion, and 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion launched an intensified military operation against the CTG’s National Operations Command, Komisyon Mindanao (KOMMID); Regional Operations Command, Headquarters Force Neo, Regional Sentro De Grabidad Compaq (RSDG Compaq), and Guerrilla Front 89 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Command (NCMRC) which resulted in the death of five communist terrorists whose identities are yet to be determined through the aid of former rebels.

Troops were also able to seize 12 high-powered firearms and other war materials at the encounter site.

The encounter stemmed from a report of a concerned citizen who revealed to authorities that some armed individuals were roaming around their community to extort food and seize some supplies. This prompted the troops to strengthen collaboration with adjacent units and its counterpart from the Philippine National Police (PNP) to respond to the scene and protect the people.

LtGen. Almerol said that the CTG attempted to reclaim Brgy Manalog, their former mass base but could not penetrate due to the increasing support of the communities, Local Government Units, and the PNP which are eager and dedicated to end the communist terrorism.

Meanwhile, troops of the 65th Infantry Battalion figured in a 15-minute armed encounter with an undetermined number of communist terrorists belonging to the SYP21C, Guerrilla Front 21 in Brgy Bugsukan, Butuan City which led to the death of another CTG member whose identity has yet to be determined and the seizure of two M16 rifles and an M203 grenade launcher.

LtGen. Almerol assessed that the CTG is on the verge of collapse, especially in the area of Bukidnon, following the successive neutralization of its leaders and members in the past days.

“Our troops will never stop pursuing the few remaining CTGs until the terror they bring in the peace-loving communities of Eastern Mindanao are completely extinguished. We are confident that we can achieve this goal because of the strong support we are getting from the LGUs, the PNP, and the ordinary citizens who are proactive in reporting any suspicious activities in their areas,” LtGen. Almerol said.

LtGen. Almerol pointed out that the CTG is caught in an impasse because, aside from the troops surrounding them, the people in the communities are no longer on their side and even actively working with the AFP and PNP in putting an end to the insurgency problem.

The EastMinCom Commander reiterated his invitation to the remaining CTG leaders and members to peacefully surrender to the government, once and for all, so that they will no longer have to bear the sufferings brought by the communist terrorism. He added that the government is always ready to help them reunite with their families and start a new life through the livelihood, scholarship, housing, and financial assistance from the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

LtGen. Almerol also expressed willingness to help the remaining CTG members avail of free Covid-19 jabs so that they can also be protected from the harm brought by Covid-19.

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https://www.kalinawnews.com/6-reds-slain-firearms-seized-as-eastmincom-troops-swoop-down-on-ctg-forces/