Eastmincom neutralizes 155 rebels in 5 months

From the Manila Times (May 16, 2023): Eastmincom neutralizes 155 rebels in 5 months (By Ruth Palo)

DAVAO CITY: The Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) reported that 155 members of the communist New People's Army (NPA) have been neutralized by sustained military operations from January to May 2023.

Eastmincom also said the troops also recovered 172 firearms and 28 anti-personnel mines since January this year.

Recently, combined troops of 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB) and 36IB, under the operational control of Joint Task Force Diamond's 901st Infantry Brigade, neutralized three rebels and seized seven high-powered firearms in an encounter at Sitio Katarugan, Barangay Lobo, Cantilan, Surigao del Sur on May 11.

Two of the killed NPA members were identified as Alberto Castañeda alias Bern/JD, commanding officer of the Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda 16C, Guerilla Front 16 (SYP16C, GF16) and Eric Mahinay Colon alias Neo, political guide of squad 1, SDG16, GF16.

They are all under the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee.

Government troops also seized three AK-47 rifles, an Ultimax 100 light machine gun, an AR18 rifle, an M16 rifle, an R4 rifle, an improvised explosive device with detonator, 13 backpacks with assorted personal belongings, communication and electronic devices, a medical kit, and other war materiel after the gunfight.

Eastmincom commander Lt. Gen. Greg Almerol lauded the troops for their efforts and dedication to pursue the government's goal to eradicate the communist terrorist group (CTG) with the help of local government units.

"The recent accomplishment is a testament to our continuous efforts to finish the dwindling CTG units in our joint operational area and to attain just lasting peace in Eastern Mindanao," he said.

Almerol, likewise, warned the remaining active CTG members to reconsider their refusal to yield, should they wish to avoid the fate of their dead comrades "who continued to terrorize the peace-loving citizens."

He also urged the rebels to avail of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict program of the government.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/05/16/regions/eastmincom-neutralizes-155-rebels-in-5-months/1891681