THE 1003RD Infantry “Raptor” Brigade and Quezon Municipal Police Station neutralized five members of the communist terrorist group (CTG) in Purok 8, Barangay Butong, Quezon in Bukidnon on Wednesday, April 10.
A high-ranking NPA leader, identified as alias Rica/Tomboy, was neutralized during the firefight.
Rica/Tomboy was confirmed by Brigadier General Marion T. Angcao, 1003rd Infantry Brigade commander, to be a prominent figure in the Guerilla Front 57 and the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC).
Three other NPA members, identified as Sopia/Mada, Kyle, and Joshua/Jason, were captured during the operation.
One NPA member, alias Del, fled the scene but later surrendered to government forces, bringing his M16 rifle with him.
Authorities seized a significant cache of weapons and explosives from the encounter site, including M16 rifles (one with attached M203 Grenade Launcher), AK47 rifles, M1 Carbine rifles, caliber .45 pistols, anti-personnel mines, hand grenades, and high-explosive rounds.
Brigadier General Marion T. Angcao, 1003rd Infantry Brigade commander, highlighted the neutralization of alias Rica and the captured weapons as a major blow to the communist group.
Meanwhile, Major General Allan D. Hambala, 10th Infantry Division commander, condoled with the family of Rica/Tomboy but emphasized that people should be aware of the CTG’s deceptive tactics.
He reiterated the 10th Infantry Division’s commitment to eradicating terrorist threats in the region.
“It is truly tragic that they have been deceived by the CTG into participating in a false revolution. Nonetheless, the 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army stands resolute and prepared to employ its force against threat groups perpetuating terrorism,” Hambala added.
