Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 19, 2022): Ranking CTG on most-wanted list falls to EastMinCom Troops; firearm recovery continues
AFP Radio DWDD
Ranking CTG on most-wanted list falls to EastMinCom Troops; firearm recovery continues
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - A wanted Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) leader who was responsible for several atrocities in Davao del Sur and North Cotabato was killed together with his comrade during a skirmish with the troops of Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) at Sitio Panopio, Brgy. Malasila, Makilala, North Cotabato on April 13.
LtGen. Greg T. Almerol, the Commander of EastMinCom identified the two CTG personalities as Roberto Castillote, Commanding Officer, and Jovilito Yambanao, Political Guide, belonging to the dismantled Pulang Bagani Command (PBC), Sub-Regional Committee 3 (SRC3), Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC).
The firefight ensued as troops of 1002nd Brigade's 39th Infantry Battalion (IB) responded to information on a planned atrocity to be perpetrated by the said armed individuals in Brgy. Malasila when they were first fired upon, resulting in the demise of the two terrorist personalities.
Troops also seized an Uzi Sub-machine gun, two improvised explosive devices (IED), a hand grenade, and a container with gasoline at the encounter site.
It can be recalled that Castillote was pointed out as responsible for the ambush and death of four police and SOCO personnel who were supposed to investigate a shooting incident involving his group in Brgy. Sibayan, Bansalan, Davao del Sur on March 8, 2017. One of the victims was pregnant at that time.
He also has pending warrants of arrest for attempted murder, double attempted murder, frustrated murder, murder, slight illegal detention, robbery, robbery with homicide, and violation of the Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection Against Child Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination.
LtGen. Almerol said that the death of Castillote will finally give justice to the victims of his crimes and prevented others to be victimized by his evil schemes.
"May his death ease the grief of the families left behind by the victims of Castillote’s atrocities who seek justice for long years. With this accomplishment, we also assure that the CTG will no longer revive to cause more human rights violations against our innocent people," he said.
In a separate incident, a high-powered firearm was recovered anew by the troops of the 10th Infantry Division under the 1001st Brigade's 25IB and 28IB together with Davao de Oro Police Mobile Force Company at Sitio Tandik, Barangay Tandawan, New Bataan, Davao de Oro on April 13.
The recent discovery of another arms cache came after a former member of Guerilla Front 2 (GF2), SMRC identified as alias Wenwen revealed its location, which hides an M60 Machine Gun.
LtGen. Almerol said it was a follow-up to the operation on April 8 in Sitio Mission, Brgy. Andap, New Bataan, Davao de Oro, aided also by alias Wenwen, which led to the seizure of seven high-powered firearms composed of an M60 Machine gun, a K3 Light machine gun, an M203 Grenade Launcher, four M16 Rifles, and an IED.
Meanwhile, the EastMinCom Commander vowed to continue its focused military operations to pursue other wanted terrorists on the run and serve justice for their victims. He also encouraged other members of the CTG to submit themselves or fall next in line to their dead comrades.
"Running away from the long arm of the law is only futile as your crimes will eventually be paid just like what happened to your previous comrades. We will relentlessly pursue you until your victims and their families attain justice," LtGen. Almerol warned.
"Your only option now is to surrender as we can assist you to seek amnesty and probably avail the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP)," he added.
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