Thursday, December 19, 2024

Tag: The 4th Infantry (Diamond) 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)

Gallant troops, civilian personnel honored on National Heroes Day

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The 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division celebrated National Heroes Day by honoring its troops and civilian personnel for their gallantry in combat and performing exceptional duty for non-combat operations, respectively, during a simple awarding ceremony at the 4ID Headquarters, Camp Evangelista, Patag, Cagayan de Oro City on August 28, 2023

Major General Jose Maria R Cuerpo II, Commander of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, led the whole Diamond troopers in honoring seventeen (17) awardees composed of civilian human resource and troops coming from 4ID subordinate units as well as attached units deployed within the area of responsibility of 4ID in Caraga and Northern Mindanao region in time for the celebration of National Heroes Day.

Ten (10) were awarded Military Merit Medal with Bronze Spearhead Device for bravery and heroic achievements in fighting the communist terrorist group in their areas of operation, one (1) was awarded the Military Merit Medal with Bronze Spearhead Device Interim to Gold Cross Medal and two (2) members of the Philippine Air Force, as attached unit under the Joint Task Force Diamond, were also awarded with Military Merit Medal with Bronze Spearhead Device Interim to Distinguish Aviation Cross.

Moreover, three (3) troops were also awarded with Silver Cross Medal for imminently meritorious and invaluable accomplishments as a result of the separate successful implementation of intelligence operations that led to the neutralization through surrender and capture of CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) and numerous high-powered firearms.

Meanwhile, Mr. Ervin Andrew A. Yano, a Civilian Human Resource of 4ID working as a Nurse at Camp Evangelista Station Hospital, was also honored and feted with a Plaque of Recognition for displaying an act of heroism and compassion by exerting extraordinary effort above and beyond his regular duties and responsibilities in saving the life of a teenager by preventing a suicide attempt at Jr. Borja Bridge in Cagayan de Oro City.

In his message, MGen. Cuerpo II said that 4ID’s celebration of National Heroes Day is about recognizing soldiers and other personnel who went above and beyond their call of duty to protect the people and secure the communities, as well as acknowledging the contribution of brave soldiers who offered an ultimate sacrifice in performing their mandate.

“I would like to personally congratulate all of you for demonstrating exceptional courage and bravery in serving your roles in our society, which resulted in laudable accomplishments of your respective units and the Armed Forces of the Philippines as a whole. This day is all about acknowledging your efforts and highlighting the sacrifices that you made. But do not lower your guards, instead use this recognition as an inspiration to do more good deeds for the betterment of our nation,” MGen. Cuerpo added. (4ID)