Army, PNP intercept explosives, food supplies in SurSur town

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 23, 2020): Army, PNP intercept explosives, food supplies in SurSur town (By PIA-SDS)

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Oct. 23 (PIA) -- Local authorities have intercepted a green Fuso canter truck (Plate No. RFT 250) carrying explosives, and groceries and food supplies believed to be headed for the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) camp recently in the province.

According to the report from the 36th Infantry Battalion (36IB), around 1:45pm, Oct. 14, the 36IB troopers and the Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFP) at a checkpoint along the National Highway of Brgy. Zone 3, Lanuza flagged down a cargo truck loaded with various items.

Prior to the incident, the 36IB troopers had coordinated with the Municipal Police Station of Lanuza for they were tipped about the transport of the goods by civilian informants. After more than an hour, the team successfully intercepted the cargo truck.

The arrested suspects were identified as Marcelo Ramos Omos, driver; Ramil Pan Berezo, mason/carpenter; Marlon Febra Cervantes, laborer; Joey Mercansel Silagan, carpenter; Brian Balatero Paglinawan, laborer. They were brought to the Lanuza Municipal Police Station (MPS) for investigation.

The authorities seized the following items: two improvised bombs; one Bagong Hukbong Bayan flag; 20 pairs of black rubber boots; three sacks of rice; one sack of flour; one half (½) sack of salt; 20 packs “Odong”; 30 Bioderm bath soaps; one box mega sardines; 20 pairs of black socks; nine packs sanitary napkin; six pieces of men’s underwear; 20 kilos brown sugar; Five bags of Super Lamig Menthol Candy; 10 bags of Nescafe stick; Four bags Nescafe 3n1; two gallons cooking oil; one-gallon soy sauce; Five empty plastic containers; and six cellophane sacks.

According to 36IB commander Lt. Col. Jezreel Diagmel, they have already closely monitored the companies or business firms/contractors, politicians, and other supporters from the different sectors based on the profile they have on the record.

Lt. Col. Diagmel added that the relentless conduct of checkpoints of the PNP and AFP and other stakeholders has paid off in stopping the flow of supplies towards the NPA terrorists.

"This resource control operation will continue in order to put a stop to this scheme of the armed group targeting particularly the contractors, politicians, business firms, and individuals," he said.

"We urged them to stop supporting the armed struggle instead, support our government. We will institute security measures together with the PNP to safeguard the flagship projects in our area of operations," Lt. Col. Diagmel added. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1056071