EastMinCom troops foil CTG attempt to disrupt Holy Week celebration, neutralize 3 terrorists

NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) under the direction of LtGen. Greg T. Almerol foiled the Communist Terrorist Group’s (CTG) plan to disrupt the celebration of Holy Week as troops of the 4th Infantry Division and 10th Infantry Division continually conducting focused military operations clash with CTG remnants in Davao Region and Caraga, leading to the neutralization of three terrorists and seizure of firearms.

 

Responding troops of the 901st Brigade’s 36th Infantry Battalion (IB) skirmished with CTG after concerned residents of Brgy. Agsam, Lanuza, Surigao del Sur reported the presence of armed group belonging to Guerilla Front (GF) 30, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) on April 14.

 

The said encounter resulted in the death of two CTG members identified as Dexter Maca Emba and Laig Catapte and the seizure of an AR15 rifle, a CZ858 rifle, assorted magazines and ammunition, a bandolier, food supplies and other war materiel.

 

Prior to this, an encounter also transpired on April 13 between the troops of the 701st Brigade’s 66IB and combined elements of the Regional Operations Command (ROC) and GF2, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) at Marangig Falls, Brgy. New Albay, Maragusan, Davao de Oro, which led to the capture of alias Darwin, a Squad Medic of Primera, ROC.

 

This was followed by the recovery of an M14 rifle, an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), and other war materiel on April 14 when alias Darwin disclosed the location of an arms cache that they buried on April 11 at the encounter site.

 

LtGen. Almerol said that the cooperation of alias Darwin manifests the genuine adherence of EastMinCom’s troops to Human Rights, International Humanitarian Law, and Rules of Engagement where captured armed elements are being treated with a utmost respect.

 

Meanwhile, the EastMinCom Commander also lauded the local communities for their vigilance which led to the swift response of EastMinCom troops.

 

“Our continuous application of the whole-of-nation approach and culture of security will never be in vain. The support of communities, local government units, and other members of society is our most effective tool to finally end the local communist armed conflict,” he said.

 

He also expressed his sympathy and condolences to the bereaved families of the killed CTG members saying “this would not have happened if they only took heed of our consistent encouragement to surrender.”

 

“We are once again calling our fellow Filipinos to end their futile fight against our government. Our doors are always open to receive you should you choose to surrender now and help us end the 53 years of terrorism. The benefits of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and other government interventions are waiting on your return,” LtGen. Almerol assured. ###

 

 

Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP