Sunday, April 21, 2024

Tag: 4th Infantry Division

7 NPA fatalities in Bukidnon encounter identified

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ILIGAN CITY (Dec. 28, 2023) – The 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division has identified seven out of the ten New People’s Army rebels killed in an encounter with the 403rd Infantry Brigade in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon on Christmas Day

Lt. Col. Anthony A. Bacus, commanding officer of the 8th Infantry Battalion, identified the fatalities as Beverly Sinunta, alias “Ayang,” secretary of Sub-regional Committee 2, Northern

Central Mindanao Regional Committee, her husband, Alfredo Banawan, alias “Alab,” deputy secretary, their daughter, Chen-chen Banawan, alias “Pao” and “Chin-Chin,” residents of Sitio Trukat, Barangay Cawayan, Quezon, Bukidnon; Penita Singaman, alias “Pening,” of Purok 8, Barangay Kalasungay, Malaybalay City; Bebot L. Solinay alias “Ligid,” of Sitio Kadagsangan, Barangay Bulonay, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon; Aurelio Gonsalez, alias “Alvin,” of Zone 8, Barangay Kalasungay, Malaybalay City, and a certain “Louie” from Agusan.

The fatalities were members of the Sub-regional Committee 2, Headquarters Loader, and Regional Sentro de Gravidad (RSDG) Compaq of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.

Bacus is closely coordinating with different intelligence communities and former rebels for the identification of the three remaining bodies.

Soldiers extricated the bodies on December 26 in Sitio Kieto, Barangay Can-ayan, Malaybalay City, and were taken to Villanueva Funeral Homes in Malaybalay City.

The seven NPA fatalities were identified based on previous data profile, family members, and their former comrades.

The 8th IB informed the families of the fatalities and coordinated with the police and the local government unit for the proper disposition and turnover of the remains.

Major Gen. Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II, 4th Infantry Division commander, said that the identification of the slain communist rebels highlights the sad truth about the membership in the NPA, particularly those holding top leadership, treated it as a family business and took undue advantage to recruit own members of their family to wield power for monetary gains and intentions.

“It is disheartening to discover how the CNT leaders resorted to promoting their own vested interest and agenda using familial connections as means to sustain their business while the lower members are suffering from hunger and fatigue due to our relentless military operations,” Cuerpo said.

He said this exploitation proves that they are irrational criminals who will do everything to maintain their operations, even sacrificing family members.

“Nonetheless, we extend our condolences to the families of the deceased, after all, they are still Filipinos who became victims of the CTG deception and treachery. Their death is a tragic outcome that reflects the continued challenge we face in maintaining peace and security in our
AOR,” Cuerpo said.

“Moreover, rest assured that the 4th ID, in close collaboration with LGU and LGAs, will extend assistance and support to the families of the dead CNTs,” Cuerpo added. (Bonita Ermac/Manila Bulletin)

Malaybalay attack vs NPA a showcase of latest military assets

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews / 27 December)—The attack against the New People’s Army (NPA) in neighboring Malaybalay City before dawn on Christmas Day, where 10 rebels were allegedly killed, was a showcase of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) latest military assets

Used in action were the Philippine Air Force’s (PAF) A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft, the 155mm autonomous truck-mounted howitzer system (ATMOS), and heat-penetrating military drones.

Brig. Gen. Michelle Anayron, commander of the Army’s 403rd Infantry Brigade, said they had to use their new military assets to break through the mine-infested rebel camp in Sitio Kiito, Barangay Can-ayan in Malaybalay.

Anayron said the drones were launched from the Lumbia Airfield here, which used to be a commercial airport now being used by the Philippine Air Force (PAF), to triangulate the exact position of the rebels in Sitio Kiito, about 68 kilometers away, and avoid civilian casualties.

He said so precise was their information that they fired the truck-mounted 155mm howitzers—made by Israel’s Elbit Systems delivered to the Philippines only early in 2022—inside Camp Bahian in Malaybalay City toward their targets 10 kilometers away.

The PAF, meanwhile, dropped 250-pound bombs from the Super Tucanos, a turboprop aircraft made by the Brazilian company Embraer.

Anayron said the military offensive killed nine New People’s Army (NPA) rebels but troops scouring the encampment found another male dead body a day later. He said this brought the number of rebels killed to 10 with more than six high-powered firearms and other war materials recovered at the ground zero in Sitio Kiito.

CPP spokesperson Marco Valbuena, in emails sent to reporters, did not confirm that the dead rebels were NPA members, saying they are still verifying reports whether the encounter really took place.

“As for now, we cannot say for sure whether those whom the AFP said were killed are really NPA fighters or civilian residents in the area. Tulad ng alam ninyo, marami nang pagkakataon sa nakaraan na maling ibinabalita ng AFP na nakapatay sila ng NPA sa engkwentro, para lang pagtakpan ang katotohanan na mga sibilyan ang kanilang pinatay,” Valbuena said.

The military operation took place three hours after the CPP declared a unilateral ceasefire on Christmas Eve and caught the rebels preparing for the party’s 55th founding anniversary celebration (December 26) by surprise.

Anayron said they got information that the rebels have instructed villagers to cook food in anticipation of the visitors and supporters coming to witness the anniversary celebration.

“That was very vital information for us because we have been hunting for these rebels since December 1 after they burned several harvesting equipment [in Malaybalay and neighboring areas],” Anayron said.

The impact of the Christmas Day fighting on the prospects of future peace talks between the government and the National Democratic Front remains uncertain.

Last month, both parties agreed to resolve the decades-old conflict peaceably. Malacañang announced that both parties could reach a final peace agreement in the next few months.

Peace groups hailed the CPP’s declaration of a two-day unilateral ceasefire, which is supposed to end Tuesday night, as a major step in building confidence for the peace talks to proceed and urged the government to reciprocate.

Maj. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo II, commanding general of the 4th Infantry Division, said they did not receive any orders from higher headquarters to reciprocate the ceasefire being implemented by the communist rebels.

“In the absence of orders, we attack,” Cuerpo said.

Cuerpo said he had given orders to run after the fleeing rebels in at least three villages in Malaybalay City. (Froilan Gallardo /MindaNews)

4ID honors injured soldiers toughens fight vs. NPA in NorMin, Caraga

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (Dec. 18, 2023, 9:00 pm) – The Army’s 4th Infantry Division (ID) recognized on Monday injured troopers recuperating at the headquarters infirmary, even as it sent more troops to combat communist rebels in Bukidnon

“Their sacrifices in the line of duty are truly noble and deserve to be honored. In this Christmas season, we have to make them feel appreciated and supported as our most important resources,” Maj. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo II, the 4ID commander, said.
At least five injured troopers are recuperating at Camp Evangelista Station Hospital here. They received gifts from the 4ID.
Meanwhile, an additional 118 new batch of soldiers will augment troops in the Northern Mindanao and Caraga Regions fighting the communist New People’s Army (NPA).
The new troopers belong to the Candidate Soldier Course “Lagablab” Class 782-2023 and completed their Infantry Orientation Course at the 4ID Training School in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.
The batch, comprised of 112 males and six females, started infantry familiarization training in October. (Nef Luczon/PNA)

5 NPA rebels misurender sa Manolo Fortich

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Gikatahong mitahan niadtong Nobyembre 25 ngadto sa militar ang lima ka mga miyembro sa rebeldeng New People’s Army (NPA) nga naglihok sa Bukidnon

Gibutyag kini ni Major Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo II, commander sa 4th Infantry Division (4ID) pinanaagi sa isa ka pamahayag.

Sumala sa report sa Philippine News Agency, si Cuerpo miingon nga ang lima misurender ngadto sa 1st Special Forces Battalion sa Brgy. Mampayag sa Manolo Fortich.

Lakip sa mitahan ang vice commander sa Headquarters Neo sa NPA ubos sa North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).

Gitahan sab sa lima ang duha AK-47 rifles, duha ka M16 rifles, ug isa ka M14 rifle.

Dugang ni Cuerpo, nga ang mga NPA mitahan human sa intensive military operations nga gipahigayon sa 1st SF Battalion sa ilang area of responsibility. (melbmadera)

Army, Bukas Kalinaw supports OVP in free health services

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MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – The Office of the Vice President (OVP) Davao Satellite commemorates its 88th founding anniversary with a medical, surgical, and dental mission in the city’s hinterland village

According to a statement issued by the 403rd Brigade, around 300 people of Brgy. Kibalabag has given the free services held at its Brgy. Covered Court on November 11, 2023.

The activities were carried out in collaboration with the Office of the Provincial Governor, the 403rd Infantry “Peacemaker” Brigade, Bukas Kalinaw, the Davao City Medical and Dental Team, the City Health Office of Valencia City, Adventist Medical Center Valencia City, 3rd FSMP, 1364 Dental, Camp Evangelista Station Hospital (CESH), the 4th Infantry Division, the 8th Infantry Battalion, and the Kibalabag Barangay Council.

This coordinated effort is the product of a community immersion program organized by the Bukas Kalinaw, a Bukidnon-based non-profit organization. The program’s purpose was to assess the citizens’ health and socioeconomic position.

To that end, a volunteer team of doctors, surgeons, and nurses provided free high-quality medical care, surgery, and dental services, including medical consultations, circumcision, wart removal, cyst removal, dental checkups, and tooth extractions, as well as free medication and medical advice to those who could not afford private hospital care.

This program was inspired by the notion that access to high-quality healthcare is a basic human right.

Captain Anafe I. Paypa, the CMO Officer of 403rd Brigade expressed her gratitude to the residents of Brgy. Kibalabag for the support and warm accommodation.

She hopes that people will recognize the government’s efforts to reach out to remote areas so they can receive services and programs and that they won’t be misled by the CPP-NPA’s propaganda suggesting that the government ignores the needs of geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas like Kibalabag.

Moreover, Ms. Regina Rosa D. Tecson, OVP Officer-in-Charge of the Davao-based satellite office conveyed the intent of Vice President Sara Duterte in its programs that is anchored on its core purpose is “Lahat para sa Diyos, sa Bayan, at sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino”.

The Tree planting and distribution of bags are the flagship programs of VP Inday Sara that has proven to be beneficial to the communities even during her administration as Mayor.

On the other hand, this medical, surgical, and dental mission is their way of giving back to the communities in celebration of its 88th Founding Anniversary and will definitely bridge the gap between the people in need and medical communities. This is the way the government extends services and reaches out to the communities to ensure that they can access the program of the government.

Meanwhile, in a separate interview, Brigadier General Michele B. Anayron Jr, commander of 403 Brigade expressed his gratitude for choosing Bukidnon mostly in the Area of Responsibility of the 403rd Brigade to be the beneficiary of the PagbaBAGo program of the Vice President along with the medical, surgical and dental mission.

Together with the Bukas Kalinaw and other stakeholders, the Philippine Army

According to BGEN AnayRON, government agencies will keep helping to provide social services to the community and make sure that even the most isolated barangays and sitios will value the effort made by the government to provide basic services to improve the quality of life for Filipinos in order to promote sustainable peace and development and ultimately put an end to the insurgency.

“We in the Philippine Army in collaboration with the Bukas Kalinaw and other stakeholders and

government agencies will keep helping to provide social services to the community and make sure that even the most isolated barangays and sitios will value the effort made by the government to provide basic services to improve the quality of life for Filipinos in order to promote sustainable peace and development and ultimately put an end the insurgency”, BGen. Anayron said.

The mission of the OVP Davao Satellite Office is to support and supplement President Ferdinand

Marcos, Jr. in cascading and executing initiatives by making himself available to individuals in need. (melbmadera)

Bukidnon Comelec needs public help vs. poll violators

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, urged the public to not only report campaign violations during the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) but to file charges as well

Lawyer Danilo Dividina, the Comelec-Malaybalay officer, said they need the help of concerned individuals who would pursue cases in the court.

“When cases are filed, and you are not there when it reaches the court, the cases will not prosper if not substantiated,” Dividina said in a statement on Friday.

He added that the public can execute an affidavit attesting that violations of election rules were committed by BSKE candidates.

Cagayan de Oro BSKE

Meanwhile, Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO) spokesperson Major Evan Viñas underscored the importance of “collective efforts of all concerned sectors” to uphold safe elections and maintain peace and order in the city, especially on the first day of the BSKE campaign period on Oct. 19.

“Last month, the COCPO successfully initiated the conduct of Walk for Peace, BSKE candidates briefing, pledge of commitment, and covenant signing which was collaboratively conducted by government agencies and BSKE candidates,” he said.

In addition, Colonel Salvador Radam, COCPO officer-in-charge, assured the public that all 80 barangays would be covered by the police during the polls with the active support of allied agencies, force multipliers, and the community.

He said the Revitalized Police Sa Barangay in the city are ready to cater to all the concerns of constituents in their respective area of assignment.

AFP, PNP in Lanao Norte

Also in Lanao del Norte, Governor Imelda Dimaporo appealed to the uniformed personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police for the constant monitoring and surveillance in every community throughout the province from the campaign period to the election day.

Dimaporo cited law enforcement’s role in safeguarding the electoral process, especially when reports indicate that some local government officials may intervene.

She called for collaborative efforts that aim to create an environment where residents can exercise their right to vote without fear and intimidation.

In a separate statement, Maj. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo II, the Army’s 4th Infantry Division commander, said being apolitical in the upcoming BSKE must be observed among the ranks of the military in the area.

“Let’s focus on shielding the organization from political influences that are not supposed to be influencing us,” he said. (Nef Luczon/PNA)

NPA rebel killed, 8 firearms seized in Bukidnon, Agusan del Sur

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ANOTHER member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed in an encounter with soldiers, who also seized eight firearms in two focused military operations in Bukidnon and Agusan del Sur, on Sept. 22 and 24, 2023

The military identified the slain rebel as Madagi Tumanan, a resident of Barangay Eureka, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental.

Accordingly, soldiers of the 26th Infantry Battalion led by Lt. Col. Sandy Majarocon, under the operational control of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, clashed with more or less five communist terrorists in Barangay Guibonon, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur on Sept. 24, which resulted in the death of Tumanan.

Major Francisco Garello Jr., 4th ID spokesperson, said the soldiers also captured an M16 rifle.

Majacorom said the remains of the rebel would be turned over to the police and eventually to the nearest funeral parlor in Gingoog City.

“We will reach out to the family so that the dead CNT will have a decent burial,” he said.

“We remain committed to the respect of human rights and highly value the sacredness of a body of human beings, contrary to the communist terrorist group’s (CTG’s) criminal actions in abandoning their dead comrade as if it’s nothing after using and pushing him to his grave,” he added.

Meanwhile, on Sept. 22, troops of the 8th Infantry Battalion under commanding officer Lt. Col. Anthony Bacus captured two firearms after an encounter against at least seven rebels in Sitio Kamaca, Barangay Bontongon, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon.

A thorough search and clearing at the nearby creek of said encounter site resulted in the discovery of an arms cache containing an M16 rifle, M203 Grenade Launcher, Cal .30 M1 Garand rifle, and Cal .22 Semi-Automatic Pistol.

Captured items during the encounter include an M1 Garand rifle and Caliber 45 pistol, magazines with ammunition, an anti-personnel mine with a fuse and a detonating cord.

Bacus said residents reported the presence of rebels last week, prompting a military offensive.

“We wanted this criminal group to realize the futility of using violence as a means to advance an agenda. Your soldiers in Bukidnon won’t stop until the CTG criminals will yield and give our people a community free from threat and chaos,” Bacus said.

403rd Brigade Commander BGen. Michele B. Anayron Jr. said they are going after the remaining members of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCRMC), responsible for numerous acts of violence and extortion in Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental.

In addition, they also coordinated with other government agencies and the local government unit in Agusan del Sur and Misamis Oriental for some assistance to his family.

Major General Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II, commander of the 4th Infantry Division, said they remain resolute in neutralizing the CTG criminals by reducing their capabilities, disrupting their networks, and preventing their resurgence in the communities.

“We in the 4ID continue to encourage our fellow Filipinos to support our intensified efforts together with our partner agencies under the Task Force to end local communist armed conflict in order to maintain peace and security in the regions. With this, we reaffirm our resolve to combat criminalities and insurgency, ensuring that the people can live free from fear and in an environment conducive to growth and prosperity,” Cuerpo added. (Rhoda Grace Saron/Mindanao Times)

NPA commander killed in Bukidnon clash

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CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – Christopher Tingkayan, 23, was killed in a fierce gunfight with troops from the 8th Infantry ‘Dependable’ Battalion operating under the 403rd Infantry Brigade of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, Philippine Army

According to reports, he [Tingkayan] was a high-ranking leader of the New People Army’s Regional Operations Command, Headquarters Force NEO.

Lt. Col. Anthony Bacus, commander of the Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion based in Impasugong, Bukidnon, said the government forces launched focused military operations following a civilian report indicating Tingkayan’s frequent supply runs into NPA territories.

He said Christopher Tingkayan, also known as Mojen/Gamot, was killed in a 10-minute firefight with the 8IB soldiers on August 23.

All soldiers were unhurt, the Battalion Commander said.

Jimboy Tingkayan alias Jovan, the slain NPA commander’s half-brother who recently surrendered, identified the body at the scene of the early morning clash in a rugged forest of Lagaslasan subvillage in Barangay Kulaman, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

Reports indicated that “Mojen” was with 10 fellow rebels when the firefight erupted, but his comrades fled during the encounter.

“The troopers confiscated a total of two M16 Rifles, two M653 Carbine Rifles, two M203 Grenade Launchers, an anti-personnel mine, along with various terrorist materials, medical paraphernalia, and assorted personal belongings,” Bacus said.

He pointed out that Mojen’s group had once been considered the stronghold of the so-called Regional Sentro De Gravidad of North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (RSDG-NCMRC), highlighting the significance of the operation’s success in dismantling this faction.

Brigadier General Michele Anayron Jr., commander of the 403rd Brigade, emphasized that the communist terrorist groups’ (CTG) presence in the area is an indication that the dwindling criminal group is on a desperate move to recruit and extort resources from the people and continue their income generation scheme, especially with Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections drawing near.

“It is unfortunate that the CTGs continue to sacrifice the lives of its members to pursue their criminal agenda. Once again, we are saddened by the loss of fellow Filipinos’ lives. We want the people of Bukidnon to know that their Army will not permit criminals to threaten communities and extort their hard-earned money. We are committed to maintaining peace and security in the area,” added BGen. Anayron Jr.

Notably, in the third quarter of this year alone, 4ID troops have neutralized 21 CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs). Among them, five were killed in encounters, and 16 voluntarily surrendered. The troops also apprehended 36 high-powered firearms and five low-powered firearms. Noteworthy in this achievement was the elimination of the CTG’s top leader, Dionesio “Muling” Micabalo, the Regional Secretary of NCMRC. This incident occurred during an encounter with 4ID troops on July 26, 2023.

In a statement, Major General Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II, the 4ID commander, commended the swift response of the troops from the 8IB and 403rd Brigade in promptly securing the Malaybalay area against planned CTG atrocities.

He emphasized that the loss of another CNT member serves as a reminder of the unfortunate consequences of opposing our government.

While highlighting 4ID’s accomplishments as a testament to the people’s unwavering support and the sustained collaboration among various agencies under the whole-of-nation approach, the 4ID Commander underscored that this strategy serves as the game-changer in ultimately resolving the country’s insurgency problem. (CMO, 8IB/403Bde/4ID, PA/PIA 10-Bukidnon)

7 rebels killed in Butuan, MisOr and Bukidnon; 5 of them women

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CAGAYAN DE ORO — The military has revised its narrative on the death toll in clashes with the New People’s Army (NPA) in Butuan City, Misamis Oriental, and Bukidnon last week, claiming that seven alleged rebels, five of them women, have been killed since June 16, 2023

“The body count in the encounter in Butuan City last Friday (June 16) was raised from three to five. The soldiers also found one more AK 47 rifle,” Major Francisco Garello Jr., spokesperson of the Army 4th Infantry Division (4ID), said.
According to Garello, soldiers seized 20 high-powered firearms — seven AK 47 rifles, four M4 rifles, four AR 18 rifles, an M16 rifle, two M14 rifles, and two M16 with attached M203 grenade launchers, in the three encounter sites – 16 in Butuan, three in Bukidnon and one in Misamis Oriental.
Maj. General Jose Maria Cuerpo, 4ID commanding general said soldiers of the 29th Infantry Battalion supported by Philippine Air Force Turkish-made T129B attack helicopters killed three rebels, two of them women, in Mt. Apo-Apo in Sitio Dugyanan, Barangay Anticala in Butuan City last Friday.
It was the first time that the T129B attack helicopters purchased by the Philippine government for US$269 million in a government-to-government contract with Turkey, was reported to have been used in operations against the NPA.
Garello said soldiers on Saturday found two more bodies of NPA rebels — a female and a male – from the June 16 encounter site in Butuan.
“This raised the body count from three to five NPA rebels killed in the encounter last Friday. The soldiers also found one more AK 47 rifle bringing the total number of firearms recovered to 16,” Garello said.
He said the bodies of the three female NPA rebels and two of their male companions would be brought down from the mountains by Monday.
In Bukidnon province, Brigadier General Michele Anayron, commanding general of the 403rd Infantry Brigade said soldiers encountered at least 15 NPA rebels in Sitio Malinao, Barangay Kalasungay, Malaybalay City on Saturday, following a tip from residents.
Anayron said a female NPA was killed after a 15-minute encounter with the soldiers of the 8th Infantry Battalion. He said the soldiers suffered no casualties.
Recovered from the encounter site were an AK 47 rifle, an M14 rifle, and an improvised anti-personnel landmine, he said.
In Misamis Oriental, one female rebel was killed and an AK 47 rifle was recovered after an encounter with soldiers in Sitio Kalhaan, Barangay Minalwang, Claveria town Friday afternoon. (Froilan Gallardo/MindaNews)

NPA weapons seized in Bukidnon, Surigao

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BUTUAN CITY – The military recovered high-powered firearms in two encounters with the New People’s Army in Bukidnon and Surigao del Sur on April 30 and May 2

Major Francisco P. Garello Jr., chief of the 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office (PAO), said the 1st Special Forces Battalion led by Lt. Col. Roger Anthony E. Nuylan Jr. under the 403rd Infantry (Peacemaker) Brigade captured three M16 Armalite rifles, magazines and live ammunition, backpacks, medical kits with assorted medicines, and personal belongings after a gun battle in Cambangon, Barangay Lilingayon, Valencia City, Bukidnon on April 30.

“Out-gunned and out-positioned, the rebels ran away in different directions, dragging along with them their undetermined number of casualties, after a 25-minute fierce firefight,” Garello said.

He said troops are pursuing the fleeing 30 fully armed combined elements of the Platun Ipad and Platun Huawei of the Sub-Regional Committee 5 (SRC5) of the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) in Cambangon.

Nuylan said they have been pursuing them since last month.

“We have been tracking the same terrorist group we encountered last April 12 in Bubong, Lanao del Sur,” he said.

“They continue evading our troops due to exhaustion with limited ammunition and food supplies. But we will pursue them, we will not give them breathing space until they realize the futility in fighting the government and that the only option left for them is to surrender voluntarily,” Nuylan added.

Two days later on May 2 in Barangay Maitum, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur, the 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion (SRBn) under the operational control of the 901st Infantry Brigade encountered 10 communist guerillas believed to be members of the weakened Guerilla Front 30 of the CPP-NPA Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).

Soldiers recovered an AK-47 rifle, a grenade, and assorted personal belongings and supplies after the skirmish.

Troops were responding to reports regarding the presence of NPA rebels in the barangay extorting food supplies and conducting recruitment when the encounter occurred, Brig. Gen. George Banzon, commanding general of the Army 901st Infantry Brigade, said.

No casualty was reported on the government side in the two encounters. (Mike Crismundo/Manila Bulletin)