Kalinaw News: 94IB seized high-powered firearms from CTG in Negros encounters

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 3, 2021): 94IB seized high-powered firearms from CTG in Negros encounters



CAMP PERALTA, Jamindan, Capiz – The Army’s 94th Infantry (Mandirigma) Battalion figured in two consecutive skirmishes with the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental on Friday, October 01, 2021.

The first encounter transpired at Purok 3, Sitio Cunalom in Barangay Carabalan at about 09:00 a.m.

The troops were conducting combat operations in response to reports on the presence of armed CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) who were conducting harassment and extortion to civilians. Informants also reported that the terrorist group were laying explosives in the area. Upon searching the area, the CNT detonated the said anti-personnel mines. Fortunately, no one got hurt from the government forces, as they outmaneuvered the terrorist group.

The five minutes firefight resulted to the seizure of the enemy’s M16 rifle with one (1) long magazine and ammunition.

At about 2:00 p.m., the blocking force of the 94IB also figured in a five-minute clash with more or less 15 communist-terrorists at the vicinity of Sitio Lanap in Barangay Buenavista. After which, the CNTs withdrew towards the Southwest direction.

Seized from the encounter site were the following: one (1) M14 rifle; one (1) backpack; one (1) solar panel; one (1) power bank, and subversive documents with high-intelligence value.

In his part, 94IB Commander Lieutenant Colonel Angelo S Guzman commended the troops’ successful operations and tactical proficiency in finding and engaging the CNTs.

Meanwhile, 302nd Infantry Brigade Commander Brigadier General Leonardo I Peña PA credited the bravery of the residents of Purok 3, Sitio Cunalom of Brgy. Buenavista for reporting the CNTs presence in their community.

“The NPA is not welcome anymore in Himamaylan City and Negros Island. The Negrenses are speaking; thus, I encourage you to lay down your arms and surrender like many of your former comrades did and are now living a better and peaceful life,” said Brigadier General Peña.

In his statement, Major General Benedict Arevalo, Commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division commended the 94IB for spoiling the CTG’s atrocities against the communities as proven by the explosives detonated in Barangay Carabalan.

“The CTG in Negros wants to project that they are still a force to reckon with by using anti-personnel mines to inflict greater damage. This action is a clear violation of International Humanitarian Law (IHL). They are showing their true nature as anti-peace and anti-people terrorist organization with no regard to humanity,” Major General Arevalo said.

Major General Arevalo also reiterated his call for all Negrenses to continue participating in the government’s journey towards ending the local communist armed conflict in Negros Island.

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