Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events: WESTMINCOM: Army troops recover enemy cadaver, FAs in Sibugay

Thursday, April 2, 2020

WESTMINCOM: Army troops recover enemy cadaver, FAs in Sibugay

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 2, 2020): Army troops recover enemy cadaver, FAs in Sibugay
Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City- April 2, 2020.

Troops of the 44th Infantry Battalion recovered an enemy cadaver and two M16A1 Assault Rifles in Barangay Balagon, Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay Province, Thursday morning, April 2, 2020.

This was a day after the foiled attack of the Communist Terrorist Group in the said area. “The troops were resting after conducting community visitation and information dissemination on COVID-19 pandemic in far-flung areas when they were harassed by the armed CTG,” said Lt. Col. Don Templonuevo, Commanding Officer, 44th Infantry Battalion.

This is the 2nd attempt of the CTG to create havoc in the province. The group tried to assault the troops of the 44IB in Barangay Penaranda, Kabasalan, same province on March 21.

“This is a clear manifestation of the duplicitous tactics and insincerity of the CTG on their declaration of ceasefire,” said Col. Leonel Nicolas, Commander, 102nd Infantry Brigade.

“Our troops on the ground will continue to observe the ceasefire during this COVID-19 crisis but rest assured that all units remain alert and vigilant in protecting the communities from any atrocities by the CTG,” he added.

President Rodrigo Roa Durterte appealed to the Communist Party of the Philippines on March 19, to order its armed wing, the New People’s Army, to observe the ceasefire from March 26 to April 15, 2020 due to the Covid-19 crisis. Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, Commander of the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan, strongly condemned the CTG's atrocities against the government troops.

“The people of Zamboanga Peninsula is already suffering from the effects of the COVID-19 crisis, and yet these terror groups continue their activities that sow fear to the people,” Maj. Gen. Ponio said.

“I once again appeal to the CTG to stop the attacks and allow the government to focus its efforts in stopping the spread of COVID-19. Our doors will always be open for those who wish to surrender and avail the benefits of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

However, be reminded that we will not be silent and we will not allow any threat group to take advantage of the current situation,” Maj. Gen. Ponio added.

The slain NPA member was identified as Elmar Sumasay, a.k.a. Junmar, a member of Guerilla Front – Feleciano A, Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC). Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Commander of the Western Mindanao Command denounced the attacks saying,

"These terror plots of the NPA are acts of desperation and betrayal." "Nonetheless, our troops will remain steadfast in assisting the government in delivering basic social services during this battle against the COVID-19, while they continue to safeguard the people in their areas of operation," Lt. Gen. Sobejana added.

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