2 Communist Terrorists Captured, Firearms Seized in Talaingod Clash

 

EastMinCom Commander LtGen. Greg T. Almerol bared that the combined forces of the 27th Infantry Battalion (27th IB), 56th IB, and 3rd IB, which are all under the operational control of 1003rd Brigade captured two members of Sub-Regional Guerilla Unit, Sub-Regional Committee 5, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SRGU, SRC5, SMRC) identified as Masarinda Balite alias Alina, a medical/supply officer, and Odessa Dumol, after figuring in a 20-minute firefight with the troops.

 

LtGen. Almerol said that the firefight ensued after Lutenant Apoga alias Macky, Commanding Officer of SRGU, SRC5, SMRC refused to heed the appeal of the troops along with his former comrade, alias Eloy, to take the government’s offer of peace.

 

Balite, one of the captured communist terrorists, who was wounded during the clash was immediately given first aid by the responding troops and was brought to a nearby hospital for proper medication.

 

The troops were also able to seize three M16 rifles, an M4 rifle, medical kits, and other personal belongings from the captured communist terrorists.

 

EastMinCom through the 10th Infantry Division immediately alerted other adjacent units to launch a pursuit operation against the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) members headed by alias Macky who scampered away during the encounter.

 

LtGen. Almerol said that his troops are ensuring maximum adherence to the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) by tending to the needs of the captured CTG members, especially in giving the necessary medical assistance to the wounded terrorist.

 

“Although the CTG is considered as the enemy of the state, our troops are trained professionals who are humans first and are capable of treating others humanely,” LtGen. Almerol said, stressing that this is contrary to the lies being proliferated by the CTG to tarnish the reputation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the “Filipino people’s legitimate soldiers, and protector.”

 

The EastMinCom Commander reiterated that the troops’ crackdown on CTG remains non-stop and it will continue this way until it achieves its goal of ending the communist armed conflict by 2022.

 

Meanwhile, LtGen. Almerol reiterated his appeal to the remaining communist terrorists to surrender peacefully to the government and be reunited with their loved ones, especially during this Christmas season.

 

“The government’s door is wide open for those who want to surrender peacefully during the Christmas season and beyond. You do not have to worry because you will receive assistance through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program which you will be able to use as you start a new life,” LtGen. Almerol said, addressing the remaining communist terrorists.