THE 4TH Infantry (Diamond) Division, under the command of Maj. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo II, has dealt a significant blow to the remaining communist terrorist group (CTG) remnants under its areas of responsibility.
Following the neutralization of three terrorists and the capture of 13 high-powered firearms in a series of operations across Butuan City, Lanao del Sur, and Northern Mindanao from Aug. 11 to 19.
On Aug. 19, the 29th Infantry Battalion clashed with members of the regional headquarters (RHQ) of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) in Barangay Salvacion, Butuan City, resulting in the capture of an M16 Rifle and ammunition.
The same day, the 8th Infantry Battalion engaged Headquarters Force Neo (HQF Neo) of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) in Sitio Bendum, Brgy. Busdi, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.
This encounter led to the death of one CNT, identified as Norbert Lipanda alias Omar, and the seizure of an M16 Rifle and personal belongings.
“We have flooded these areas with our forces, preventing these criminal terrorists from recruiting and harassing our people. They will be relentlessly pursued,” declared Cuerpo.
“The law-abiding residents desire development, not illegal firearms and violence. We are committed, with the cooperation of the people and other stakeholders, to deny them any support and influence,” he said.
Meanwhile, on Aug. 16 and 18, the 58th Infantry Battalion tracked down and engaged members of the SRSDG MTJ Eagles, SRC1, NCMRC in Gingoog City and Medina, Misamis Oriental.
One M16 rifle was recovered, and a wounded CNT, Garin Ayuma alias Jerick, the liaison of SRC1, NCRMC, was captured.
Troops also recovered two backpacks, food supplies, cooking equipment, and personal belongings.
Cuerpo emphasized that the injured CNT received immediate first aid and was transported to Camp Evangelista Station Hospital for further treatment, in line with the commitment to human rights and international humanitarian law.
From Aug. 11-14, joint operations by the 1st Special Forces Battalion and elements of the 55th and 5th Infantry Battalions unearthed several CTG arms caches in Lanao del Sur, based on information from former rebels.
Ten high-powered firearms were recovered, including eight M16 Rifles, one M653 Carbine Rifle, and one AK47 Rifle.
On Aug. 14, Jerome B Babion, an Intel member of the RSDG, Compaq, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC), surrendered to 403Bde at Camp Osito D Bahian, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, through the efforts of the provincial local government unit of Bukidnon.
Cuerpo stated that the continuous operations, firearm seizures, and surrenders have significantly weakened the CTG.
He urged the remaining members to choose peace and reconciliation.
“We will not rest until this menace, the terrorist criminals are eradicated for the sake of this country and the Filipino people,” Cuerpo affirmed.
“We urge the remaining CTG members to return to the path of law, consider reconciliation, and be part of a collective effort to build a better future for the whole nation,” the division commander further said.
