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EastMinCom strikes CTG remnants in Bukidnon, 4 ranking leaders killed
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - Four (4) top-ranking leaders of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) were killed in what the Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) LtGen. Greg T. Almerol describes as "a major strike against terrorist remnants," after troops of the 4th Infantry Division’s 403rd Brigade and 1st Special Forces Battalion (SFBn) engaged in a decisive encounter with the CTG in Km24, Brgy. Tikalaan, Talakag, Bukidnon on April 6.
The killed CTG leaders were identified as Carlisio D. Sumalinog, Jovilito T. Pontillas, Gary I. Juliana, and Jelly A. Sugnot.
Troops also seized 16 high-powered firearms and other war materiel at the encounter site composed of seven (7) M16 Rifles, an M203 Grenade Launcher, two R4 Carbines, an M653 Rifle, three M1 Garand Rifles, an AK47 Rifle, M14 Rifle, assorted magazines, ammunition, medicines, bandoliers, backpacks, CTG flags, and other items.
LtGen. Almerol said that the encounter transpired following an information from concerned citizens on the presence of some 30 armed individuals consolidating the said area.
"Our troops who are conducting focused military operations, combined with intel units and Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) of Philippine National Police, immediately responded to the information to secure the area, resulting in almost two hours of firefight that led to the death of the four CTG leaders," he said.
He also lauded the government's security forces for their swift response that foiled the CTG's possible atrocities.
Meanwhile, the EastMinCom Commander said that the recent encounter is a result of the Command's intensified focused military operations to finish the insurgency before President Rodrigo Roa Duterte steps down in June.
LtGen. Almerol assessed that the death of the four high-ranking CTG leaders will cause a major blow to the current status of the CTG, for which he said "might further dwindle their forces."
"This will put more pressure to the remaining forces of CTG to yield as they are currently headless. They cannot survive our series of focused military operations without someone to lead them," LtGen. Almerol pointed out.
He also reiterated his call to remnants of CTG in Eastern Mindanao to yield and lay-down their firearms.
"One-by-one, your comrades who chose to stay in the terrorist movement ultimately paid the consequences of their atrocities. But those who yield are now secured and are living peaceful lives with their families," he said.
"This is the time for you to choose. Surrender now and avail the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration (E-CLIP) or die misarebly away from your families," the EastMinCom Commander added.###
Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP