CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – The intensified military operations of the 4th Infantry Division has resulted in the capture of four (4) high-powered firearms and war materiel of the communist terrorist group (CTG) in two (2) separate clashes in the provinces of Bukidnon and Surigao del Sur on April 30 and May 2, 2023.
The troops of the 1st Special Forces Battalion led by Lt Col Roger Anthony E Nuylan Jr under the operational control of the 403rd Infantry Brigade have captured three (3) M16 Rifles, magazines and ammunitions, backpacks, medical kits, and assorted personal belongings after a 25-minute firefight against an estimated 30 fully armed combined elements of Platun Ipad and Platun Huawei of Sub-Regional Committee 5 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee at Sitio Cambangon, Barangay Lilingayon, Valencia City, Bukidnon on Sunday, April 30, 2023.
“We have been tracking the same terrorist group we encountered last April 12 in Bubong, Lanao del Sur. 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,” Lt. Col. Nuylan added.
403rd Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Michelle B Anayron Jr, lauded the efforts of 1SFBn, particularly their resiliency and dedication to insulate communities from CTG threats and influence and sustain the peace in the province of Bukidnon.
“We will not allow the communist terrorists to stage atrocities and extortion activities in the province of Bukidnon. As I direct our troops to conduct relentless military operations, I urge the populace to join us in this fight. On our collective efforts and solidarity, we can prevent these terrorists from spreading terror and disrupting our peace-loving communities. To the remaining CTG members in Bukidnon, heed our call, it’s not yet too late, we are here to help you. Avail the E-CLIP of the government, and together let’s achieve long-lasting peace,” said BGen Anayron Jr.
Meanwhile, troops of the 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion under the operational control of the 901st Infantry Brigade encountered more or less 10 CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) believed to be members of the weakened Guerilla Front 30 of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) yesterday afternoon, May 2, 2023, which resulted in the capture of an AK-47 Rifle, a Hand Grenade and assorted personal belongings and supplies in Brgy Maitum, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur.
901st Brigade Commander Brig, Gen. George Banzon disclosed that their troops responded to persistent reports of concerned civilians regarding the presence of the CTGs roaming around in the said barangay extorting food supplies and conducting teach-ins for recruitment.
Various military operations were launched in past weeks to hunt down remnants of the CTG as 4ID continues to step up pressure against the CTG to isolate them from the civilian communities and entice more surrenderers. 4ID Commander, Major General Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II, emphasize that his troops will use all available resources and the necessary force to quell these remaining terrorists. He also stated that 4ID shall be relentless in combat and non-combat operations to finally win the peace for the safety and well-being of the people.