THE 4TH Infantry Division (4ID) reported the successful recovery of war materiel and a high-powered firearm during focused military operations by the 65th Infantry Battalion (65IB) in Caraga Region on May 21-22.
Lieutenant Colonel Michel G. Mortejo, the 65IB commander, under Brigadier General Arsenio DC Sadural’s 901st Infantry Brigade, launched the operation that led to the discovery of an ammunition cache in a cave at Purok 6, Barangay Kolambugan, Sibagat, Agusan del Norte, on May 22.
The cache contained various rounds of ammunition for M16, M14, and Garand rifles. Also found at the scene were hand fragmentation grenades, rifle grenades, 40mm M203 grenades, blasting caps, and detonating wire for anti-personnel mines (APMs).
Before the ammunition discovery, the 65IB’s Special Intelligence Operations unit seized a food cache on May 21 at the “Pinaminahan” area in the same barangay.
The action was based on a tip from a concerned citizen regarding the supply facilitation of the CPP-NPA terrorists belonging to the Westland Subregional Committee (SRSDG) and the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).
Mortejo stated the captured food and ammunition supplies would significantly disrupt CTG operations and hinder their ability to conduct criminal activities and atrocities.
Additionally, the Special Recon Team engaged members of the NEMRC’s Regional Headquarters in a 20-minute firefight in Barangay Camayahan, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, on May 22.
One M16 rifle, bandoliers, and magazines were seized from the CTG group.
4ID vows continued operations
Major General Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II, commander of 4ID, believes these operations will demoralize the CTG due to resource depletion. He emphasized the importance of continued focused military operations with the support of civilians who provide information on remaining CTG members.
Cuerpo reiterated their commitment to ending the armed conflict through relentless operations and collaboration with local government units and agencies under the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.
