Gov’t forces seize 37 IEDs in Surigao ops

From the Manila Bulletin (Dec 3): Gov’t forces seize 37 IEDs in Surigao ops

Government forces seized 37 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other bomb-making materials as they widened their security operations in their identified targeted far-flung areas in Surigao del Sur province, it was reported yesterday.

Army battallions under the operational control of the 401stInfantry (Unity) Brigade had stepped up their security operations after they seized bomb-making materials and IEDs over the weekend in the far-flung and hinterland mountainous areas in the municipalities of Lianga and San Agustin, in Surigao del Sur province.

The security operations is also an off-shoot to an hour gunbattle between operating troops of the 75th Infantry Battallion (75th IB) and an undetermined number of New People’s Army (NPA) terrorists where a bomb-maker and his comrade-in-arm were killed in upper Buhisan, San Agusan town last Tuesday, according to 401st Brigade spokesperson and Civil Military Operations (CMO) officer Capt. Rodulfo Cordero, Jr., on Sunday.

He said the NPAs the troops encountered belonged to a Communist group that was planning to conduct ambushes and lay landmines meant for operating soldiers.

But this was foiled in that encounter in Buhisan.

Full security operations in the hinterland areas of Lianga and San Agustin towns, and neighboring areas in the province were also in anticipation of the upcoming anniversary celebration of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on December 26.

Cordero claimed that NPAs usually stage terroristic activities ahead of the CPP celebration, and, as such, field units have been directed to conduct security operations in their respective areas of responsibility (AORs) to avert any attacks.

“The objective of this operation is to secure the villages and safety of the residents from any terroristic activities by the communist insurgents,” the 401”t Brigade spokesperson further claimed.

He added that 401st Brigade commander Col. Andres Centino has directed all field unit commanders to hunt “without let up” the NPA terrorists and give priority the safety and security of villagers in their respective AORs.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2017/12/03/govt-forces-seize-37-ieds-in-surigao-ops/