Kalinaw News: CTG neutralization in South Cotabato

Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 21, 2023): CTG neutralization in South Cotabato

On February 18, 2023 at around 06:30pm, another Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) leader was neutralized during an encounter between the troops of the 5th Special Forces “PRIMUS INTER PARES” Battalion (Airborne) and more or less seven (7) CTGs from the Guerilla Front Musa (GF MUSA), Far South Mindanao Region (FSMR). The terrorist leader was identified to be Martin Mino Fay, also known as KIDLAT/DIEGO, Vice Commander of Front Operational Command, GF MUSA, FSMR, and a resident of Barangay Lam-apos, Banga, South Cotabato. One (1) .45 caliber pistol, numerous rounds of ammunition, one (1) hand grenade, along with his personal belongings were recovered on the encounter site.

Martin Mino Fay or KIDLAT is a well-known notorious CTG member throughout the province of South Cotabato. He orchestrated numerous atrocities, including the bombing and burning of public transportation vehicles and heavy equipment, which are considered major obstructions to South Cotabato’s sustained development. His most recent activities include delivering supplies (food and medical supplies) from their white area camps to the mountainous areas of South Cotabato where the main group of the Communist Terrorists are hiding and running away from the aggressive focused military operations of the military.

The Guerilla Front Musa has recently suffered significant losses that they have redirected their efforts towards recovery however, relentless military operations by forces under 1st Mechanized Brigade of 6th Infantry Division has prevented them from doing so and forced them to be constantly on the run and are said to be on survival mode. The 5th Special Forces Battalion has for so long exerted efforts towards the surrender of Martin Mino Fay. The unit has laid down the different programs of the government that can be taken advantage of by members of the CTG should they choose to return to the folds of the law but sadly @Kidlat chose the other way. But while it is disheartening that another life was lost, the operation was made possible through the cooperation and provision of valuable information by the civilian populace of South Cotabato, particularly from @ Bebot and @ Ryan, both residents of Purok Alaw, Sitio Lembed, Brgy Laconon, and T’boli, South Cotabato.

The unit continue to urge the remaining CTG members to surrender their firearms and return to the folds of the law, where they can take advantage of government programs both at the national and local level. The Government of South Cotabato has numerous services for the people that they can take advantage of such as free education and hospitalization for the people of the province. Farm to market roads are abound and more being constructed and planned, businesses and corporations are investing in the province, agriculture is growing as well as tourism. This belies the claims of the Communist Terrorist Group of lack of services and marginalization among others. If they remain outside the law, not only do they deprive themselves of these services, but they also impede the growth and development of the province and its people. The 5th Special Forces Battalion (Airborne) will continue to keep the peace in the province of South Cotabato and ensure that public trust is prioritized in carrying out the unit’s mission.

[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.]

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