Kalinaw News: 1 CNT dead, 3 high-powered firearms capture in series of 4 ID clashes against CTG

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 18, 2023): 1 CNT dead, 3 high-powered firearms capture in series of 4 ID clashes against CTG

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – A CPP-NPA Terrorist (CNT) has died while three (3) high-powered firearms (HPFAs), including one (1) M60 Light Machine Gun, were captured after a series of clashes by the troops of 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division against the communist terrorist group (CTG) from April 12-15, 2023.

On Wednesday, April 12, 2023, a 15-minute encounter between the 2nd Special Forces Company led by Cpt. Jenesis B. Gutierrez of the 1st Special Forces Battalion (1SFBN) under Lt. Col. Roger Anthony E Nuylan Jr. and more or less fifteen (15) CNTs in Brgy. Rogero, Bubong, Lanao del Sur resulted in the death of one (1) still unidentified CNT and the capture of one (1) M16 Rifle, numerous ammunitions, and personal belongings of the CTG at the encounter site.

BGen. Michele B. Anayron Jr, Commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, who has operational control of the 1SFBN, disclosed that the successful encounter was part of the complementary operation of his Brigade with the 103rd Brigade of the 1st Infantry Division based in Lanao and the result of deliberate and coordinated efforts to run after the remnants of the so-called Platun IPAD and Platun Huawei of the Sub-Regional Committee 5 (SRC-5) of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) operating in the boundaries of Bukidnon and reportedly seeking refuge in Lanao del Sur.

Meanwhile, one (1) AK47 Rifle of the CTG was also captured after troops of the 9th Special Forces Company led by Cpt. Keen Vincent V. Hagonia of the 3rd Special Forces Battalion headed by Lt. Col. Paulo F. Baylon and under the operational control of the 401st Infantry Brigade headed by Col. Francisco Lorenzo Jr. encountered more or less 10 CNTs in Purok 2, Brgy. Pinagalaan, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur on Friday, April 14, 2023.

On the other hand, on April 15, another clash erupted between the troops of the 36th Infantry Battalion under the operational control of the 901st Infantry Brigade led by Brig. Gen. George L. Banzon against more or less 25 CNTs at Mapula, Brgy. Esperanza, Carmen, Surigao del Sur. “Our troops were able to overrun the CTG hideout and eventually seized their one (1) M60 Light Machine Gun and other war paraphernalia. Troops also discovered multiple bloodstains at the encounter site that could indicate casualties from the terrorist,” BGen. Banzon added.

In his statement, 4ID Commander Maj. Gen. Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II once again reiterated his call for peace and appealed to the remaining CTG members to stop the senseless fighting that hampered people’s lives and the progress of the communities for so many decades. “We will not waiver on our mandated duty to the people, committed to protect and be of service always. We shall continue tracking down the remaining elements of the CTG. With the full trust and support of the people and all government agencies under the TF-ELCAC behind us, we shall win the peace.”

“But my appeal to them, give peace a chance. Are we not tired of fighting? Let us help one another, build homes, and uplift communities instead. I urge you to return to your families, and start a new and peaceful life. Rest assured that whoever will heed the call and lay down their firearms will be treated with respect and provided with a menu of benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP),” He added.

[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.]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/1-cnt-dead-3-high-powered-firearms-captured-in-series-of-clash-of-4id-troops-against-ctg/