Kalinaw News: Gov’t troops nab 1 CTG member and seize firearms and explosives as extensive ops in Masbate continue

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 19, 2021): Gov’t troops nab 1 CTG member and seize firearms and explosives as extensive ops in Masbate continue



CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur-The Joint Task Force (JTF) Bicolandia warned the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) to just return to the folds of the law or else, they will rot in prison.

This after a communist NPA terrorist (CNT) was captured in an armed encounter between the government troops and the CTG in San Pascual, Masbate, Saturday, September 18.

Prior to this, concerned citizens of Barangay Mabini reported about the presence of CTG in their area prompting the elements of 2nd Infantry Battalion (2IB) and PNP to conduct a security operation and encountered six CNTs.

Firefight lasted for five minutes that further resulted to the seizure of two anti-personnel mines (Claymore), one caliber .38 revolver with six live ammunitions, shotgun, ammunitions for M60 machine gun and M14, one handheld radio, and two cellphones.

Lt. Col. Siegfried Felipe Awichen said that the apprehended CNT is now under the custody of the Army and will be turned over to proper authorities for dispositive action. He also thanked the residents for the prompt report and encouraged them to continue supporting government programs to finally end armed conflicts in Masbate.

Col. Aldwine Almase, Brigade Commander of 903rd Infantry Brigade, urged the CTG members to stop wasting their lives inside the armed movement.

“Gayahin ninyo ‘yong desisyon ng 113 na nagbalik loob sa pamahalaan at iniwan ang teroristang komunista diyan sa Masbate kamakailan lamang. Mas ginugusto ng inyong kasundaluhan ang mapayapa at kusa ninyong pagbabalik-loob sa pamahalaan, iwan ang armado at marahas na pamumuhay at matanggap ang mga programang sa inyo ay naghihintay upang muli ninyong madama ang panatag at masayang bagong buhay kapiling ang inyong pamilya at mga minamahal sa buhay,” Col. Almase said.

PBGen. Jonnel Estomo, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 5 (PRO-5) also emphasized that the police is now in close coordination with the Army to facilitate the filing of case against the apprehended CNT.

“Sisiyasatin po natin ng maayos kung may iba pang involvements itong nahuli nating CTG member upang maisampa natin kaagad ang kaso laban sa kaniya. Titiyakin po nating dadaan ang lahat sa due process,” PBGen. Estomo said.

Meanwhile, MGEN HENRY A ROBINSON JR PA, Commander of JTF Bicolandia called on the families of the remaining members of the CTG to convince their loved ones to go home.

“Kung ayaw po ninyong iuwi namin sa inyong wala ng buhay ang inyong mga kaanak o kaya naman ay mabulok sila sa bilangguan, tulungan po ninyo kaming kumbinsihin silang magbalik-loob. Ginagawa namin ito para sa inyo, para mabuong muli ang inyong mga pamilya. Sa mga miyembro naman ng CTG, huwag ninyong isakripisyo ang inyong pamilya para sa kilusang hindi naman kayo kayang panindigan,” MGen. Robinson said.

Recently, a total of 113 CTG members and supporters surrendered to the different Community Support Program (CSP) Teams in Masbate.

JTF Bicolandia considered these developments as a result of the growing support of the LGUs, local chief executives, government agencies and the local populace to the campaign against insurgency.

[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/govt-troops-nab-1-ctg-member-and-seize-firearms-and-explosives-as-extensive-ops-in-masbate-continue/