NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), under the supervision of LtGen. Greg T. Almerol intensified its focus military operations in a series of encounters against the dwindling forces of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in its joint operational area this February 2024.
In the most recent development, a clash ensued between the collaborative forces of the 29th Infantry Battalion (29IB) and the 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB), operating under the 901st Infantry Brigade. This confrontation unfolded as these troops confronted former members of the Sub-Regional Sentro de Grabidad (SRSDG) Northland, who are now under the SRSDG Westland. The skirmish took place at Barangay Concepcion, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte, on February 23.
The troops neutralized one Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) identified as Leo Mindoro alias Yolly. Additionally, the operation led to the capture of an AK47 Rifle, two magazines loaded with ammunition, assorted food supplies, and various other war materiels.
Consequently, another skirmish unfolded involving the forces of the 16th Infantry Battalion (16IB) of the 402nd Infantry Brigade and the elements of SRSDG MTJ Eagles, Sub-Regional Committee 1 (SRC1) of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC). The clash took place in Sitio Alubijid, Brgy. Rosario, Balingasag, Misamis Oriental, on February 21.
The confrontation concluded with the demise of one CNT identified as Yoly Langka Ayuma, a member of the said unit and the former commanding officer of the already dismantled Guerilla Front 68 (GF68), and the capture of assorted supplies. Among the seized items were one M16A1 rifle equipped with a short magazine, one bandolier containing a magazine, one hand grenade, one claymore mine, one M14 magazine, two poncho tents, two backpacks containing personal belongings, and one cooking stove accompanied by three pieces of Butane.
Preceding these events, the 58th Infantry Battalion (58IB) engaged with approximately nine members affiliated with the SRSDG MTG Eagles of the SRC1 under the NCMRC. The encounter occurred in Sitio Kayagan, Barangay Quezon Heights, Balingasag, Misamis Oriental, on February 11.
The clash led to the death of Miguel Sereño, the vice squad leader in squad 1 of the said CTG unit. Additionally, the troops captured one Ingram alongside a detonating cord and blasting cap. Among the seized items was a backpack containing personal belongings and assorted terrorist documents.
On February 12, another clash ensued between the 3rd Special Forces Battalion and the members of the Regional Operations Command (ROC) and the Regional Sentro De Grabidad (RSDG) under the NCMRC. The encounter unfolded at Barangay Baucawe, Lianga, Surigao del Sur, and resulted in the fatality of one CNT member and the capture of an M60 machine gun, along with various war materiels.
Similarly, a significant development occurred as one high-ranking leader and four regular members voluntarily surrendered to the 23rd Infantry Battalion (23IB) at the Headquarters, Jamboree Site, P-6, Barangay Alubihid, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte on February 14.
The surrenderers were identified as Arnel Bahian, the Deputy Secretary of Sub-Regional Committee 3 (SRC3) of the NCMRC. Additionally, Analyn Mondas, Jaquelyn Caube Egtub, Charilyn C. Rebita, and Glen F. Antigua, all members of Platoon 2 under the SRSDG Sagay of SRC3 under the NCMRC, were among those who faced challenges within the armed group and yearned to reunite with their family, hence decided to surrender voluntarily.
Meanwhile, LtGen. Almerol expressed his appreciation for the unwavering efforts of the troops, specifically the troops under the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) and the local government units, emphasizing their continuous collaboration that led to the recent accomplishments. He also lauded the former rebels for choosing to reintegrate into the lawful society, reiterating his call to the remaining members of CTG to consider a similar path.
"The intensified combat operations of our troops have yielded positive results. Hence, the imminent defeat of insurgency in Eastern Mindanao is inevitable, thanks to the unwavering collaboration between our troops and stakeholders. Thus, we reiterate our call to the remaining members of the CNTs to follow the example set by their comrades, abandon insurgency, and return to the lawful path before it's too late. Our government extends opportunities for you to embark on a new beginning and embrace the journey towards lasting peace," he said.
Additionally, LtGen. Almerol vowed to uphold peace and security in the Davao Region, ensuring measures to prevent any potential resurgence in the unrest. Simultaneously, he affirmed the conclusion of ongoing operations in other areas of Eastern Mindanao, showcasing a comprehensive approach to maintaining stability across the region.#
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
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