Kalinaw News: 77IB troops encounter CNTs in Baggao town; recovery of firearm

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 11, 2022): 77IB troops encounter CNTs in Baggao town; recovery of firearm



CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Upi, Gamu, Isabela- Army troops of the 77th Infantry Battalion encountered a group of Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) at Sitio Sacat, Barangay Asinga Via, Baggao, Cagayan on May 11, 2022.

The firefight that lasted for 30 minutes resulted in the recovery and confiscation of one 5.56mm assault rifle left by the CNTs.

Before this, the troops are conducting combat operations to verify the information about the presence of the CNTs in the said place based on the revelation of the locals. While the troops were verifying the report, more or less 20 CNTs belonging to East Front Committee, Komiteng Probinsya Cagayan, Komiteng Rehiyon-Cagayan Valley fired upon the troops. Said government troops immediately retaliated causing the CNTs to scamper into different directions leaving behind one 5.56 rifle.

LtCol Magtangol Panopio, Battalion Commander of 77IB said that they alerted and deployed composite teams from their unit to block possible enemy withdrawal. “We are still scouring the encounter site and will conduct pursuit operations to ensure the safety of the residents against the atrocities of the CNTs.” He then clarified that the armed encounter is not an election-related incident.

Meanwhile, MGen Laurence E Mina, Commander of the 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army thanked the residents for informing the troops of the presence of the CNTs. He then encouraged the locals to be more vigilant and immediately coordinate with the troops to prevent the CNTs. “Let us all stand against the abuses and terroristic acts of the CNTs. We will finish them off with everybody’s support.”

[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 Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/77ib-troops-encounter-cnts-in-baggao-town-recovery-of-firearm/