2 NPA Members Killed, Firearms Seized in Separate Ops in Eastern Mindanao

The incident transpired after the troops received a tip from concerned citizens about the presence of an armed group, prompting them to conduct relentless patrol and focus military operations to secure the public and the Mineral Production Sharing Agreement Area (MPSA) of three large mining companies in Claver, Surigao del Norte, namely Taganito Mining Corporation, Taganito High-Pressure Acid Leaching Nickel (THPAL) and Platinum Group Metal Corporation (PGMC).

 

Another regular NPA member identified as Aldo Higyawan alias Ramon of Platoon Ryan, SRC1, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) was killed in a clash with the 58th Infantry Battalion on August 29, 2021, in Barangay Lawaan, Gingoog City after the troops followed the traces from an NPA hideout which they discovered in the area and it resulted to the recovery of two M16 rifles, an M14 rifle, assorted medical paraphernalia, and other war materials and documents.

 

Meanwhile, an M14 rifle hidden in a farm hut by Dante Cuyos alias DR, Political Officer of Platoon Bagsik, Guerrilla Front Malayag Sub-Regional Committee 2, NCMRC was seized by the troops of the 3rd Infantry Battalion at the vicinity of Sitio Dakila, Barangay Salawagan, Quezon, Bukidnon on September 1, 2021. It was revealed by Jovet Rivero Hinampas alias Valdez who surrendered to 3rd IB last April 26, 2021.

EastMinCom Commander LtGen. Greg T. Almerol assessed that the death of alias Asyong was a big blow to the SYP16C1, GF16, NEMRC whose fate is now left in the hands of inexperienced members.

 

“We abhor the idea of bloodshed and we do not want to see another rebel dying for the sake of the Communist Terrorist Group. Therefore, I ask the remaining NPA members to surrender peacefully instead of wasting their lives on a senseless ideology,” LtGen. Almerol said.

 

LtGen. Almerol lauded the concerned citizens for providing timely information that thwarted the NPA’s planned atrocities.

 

“This is proof of the people’s genuine intent to help the government in its crusade for peace and in pushing the end of the local communist armed conflict in their communities,” Almerol reiterated.

 

LtGen. Almerol also extended his thoughts and prayers to the family of the slain NPA members whom he said were just victims of the Communist Party of the Philippines’ (CPP) deceptive schemes and selfish agenda.

 

“May this serve as a solid example that supporting the CPP’s cause will only bring pain and suffering to those who continue to push for its agenda which only epitomizes terrorism and violence,” Almerol said.

 

Moreover, LtGen. Almerol enjoined the remaining NPA members to yield peacefully instead of continuing to fight for a pointless ideology. He also urged them to instead embrace the government’s sincere offer to help through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

 

EastMinCom continues to help rebels who chose to surrender and be part of the government’s effort for peace and development through the E-CLIP where they can enjoy several benefits including financial and livelihood assistance, firearms remuneration, scholarship, and free housing units, among others.