Kalinaw News: 6 firearms seized, 2 CPP-NPA terrorists (CNTs) killed in Misamis Oriental, Agusan Norte clashes

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 14, 2021): 6 firearms seized, 2 CPP-NPA terrorists (CNTs) killed in Misamis Oriental, Agusan Norte clashes



CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – Six (6) firearms were seized while two (2) CNTs were left dead after 2 separate clashes transpired between troops of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division and armed elements of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental and in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte on December 14, 2021.

The first encounter happened at the hinterlands of So Mangilit, Brgy Bal-ason, Gingoog City against the combined elements of GF Huawei and SRSDG Eagles, Sub-regional Committee 1 (SRC1) of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) around 5:50 early morning.

Elements of the 58th Infantry Battalion under Lt Col Ricky Canatoy and 16th Infantry Battalion under Lt Col Joel Salaguinto initiated an operation after civilian residents reported the presence of armed men who are conducting ideological, political and organizing (IPO) works in the said area.

Following the tracks left by the armed group, the troops subsequently discovered the enemy hideout where a 30-minute intense firefight ensued between the troops and more or less 20 CNTs that resulted in the killing of 2 unidentified male CNTs and seizure of one M16 Rifle, one AR18 Rifle, two AK-47 Rifles and one M203 Grenade Launcher. Also seized at the encounter site were subversive documents and assorted personal belongings.

Meanwhile, at around 7:15 in the morning, the troops of the 23rd Infantry Battalion under Lt Col Julius Cesar T Paulo Jr clashed with more or less five CNTs believed to be members of SRSDG Sagay, NCMRC led by Jelan Pinakilid alias Baking at Sitio Malague, Barangay Guinabsan, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.

The 23IB has been conducting pursuit operations against the elements of SRSDG Sagay of NCMRC after the encounter last week at Sitio Tacub, Barangay Rizal, also in the municipality of Buenavista.

A brief 5-minute firefight resulted in the capture of one M14 Rifle with two (2) magazines after the enemy scampered in different directions.

In a statement, Major General Romeo S Branwer Jr, the Commanding General of the Philippine Army and concurrent Commander of 4ID, lauded the 402nd Infantry Brigade under Col Adonis Orio, the Brigade Commander, and its battalions namely, the 23IB, 16IB and 58IB, for the series of accomplishments since the past week highlighted by the surrender of alias Omar Ibarra, a seasoned Political Officer, Spokesperson and the Deputy Secretary of SRC3 of NCMRC.

“Once again, our troops has proven its tactical proficiency against the CNTs guided by highly competent Commanders and aided by the active participation of civilians as an essential ingredient in our continued success. Congratulations Team Stingers!” Maj Gen Brawner Jr said.

“It is unfortunate that 2 lives were lost. We sincerely express our condolences to the families and relatives of the 2 CNTs who were killed. They could have been alive if they were not deceived and recruited by the CPP-NPA-NDF. I have said this when I assumed as 4ID Commander and I say it again to the CTG, leave our farmers alone! Leave our IPs and youths alone! Stop recruiting and pushing them towards their own grave,” Maj Gen Brawner Jr added.

Maj Gen Brawner Jr further stated that the Brigade and Battalion Commanders under his command were already instructed to step up the offensive operations to frustrate any hostile plans in time for the upcoming CPP anniversary. The 4ID will not let their guards down.

The focused military operations shall continue until peace is secured, he said.

“To the remaining CTG members who are still in the mountains, it’s not too late for you to save your lives and safely return to your families. Do not allow your leaders to continuously fool you while they are in comfortable places and use the money that you extorted from civilians for their own gains and selfish interests. You have the choice to leave the CTG, lay down your firearms, and avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government to re-start your life again,” Maj Gen Brawner Jr said.

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https://www.kalinawnews.com/2-npa-killed-6-firearms-seized-in-a-separate-clash-in-402-brigade-area-of-responsibility/