EastMinCom troops hit CTG extortionists; NPA members yield anew

NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) under the direction of LtGen. Greg T. Almerol has hit anew the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) after troops conducting security operations figured in a series of encounters with the CTG in Caraga and Davao Region that led to the neutralization of six personalities.

 

The recent encounter transpired when the troops of the 901st Brigade's 36th Infantry Battalion (IB) responded to the information from concerned citizens regarding the planned extortion of an armed group on the campaign rallies of politicians and the community at Brgy. Nurcia, Lanuza, Surigao del Sur on April 29.

 

The skirmish resulted in the death of two CTG members, with identities still being determined, and the capture of an M16 rifle and a Caliber .45 pistol.

 

LtGen. Almerol said that the cadavers of the CTG personalities were already transported by the troops to Madrid District Hospital for proper identification and disposition.

 

Prior to this, an armed clash also transpired between the troops of the 901st Brigade's 30IB and a CTG in the hinterland of Sitio Alimayo, Brgy. Payapag, Bacuag, Surigao del Norte on April 28.

 

The encounter transpired when government forces acted on the report from residents on the presence of an armed group in the said area that resulted in the seizure of two Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), five magazines of an AK47, various ammunition, bandoliers, subversive documents, and other personal belongings after a 15-minute encounter.

 

In another incident, four CTG members, two of which were minors, voluntarily surrendered to the troops of 701st Brigade's 66IB in Brgy. Coronobe, Maragusan, Davao de Oro on April 27, following the series of combat operations launched by government forces against the remnants of Regional Operational Command (ROC) and Regional Headquarters (RHQ) of Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC).

 

The surrenderees were identified as alias Jomari, 18 years old; alias Vina, 19; alias Macoy, 14; and alias Dondon, 15.

 

Their surrender also led to the discovery of two M16 rifles after revealing an arms cache at Sitio Mission, Brgy. Andap in New Bataan, Davao de Oro.

 

The EastMinCom Commander reported that the two minors were already endorsed to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) of New Bataan, Davao de Oro for appropriate action and custody.

 

"We will also assist the parents of the minors and DSWD in filing appropriate charges against the CTG for recruiting minors and for child trafficking," LtGen. Almerol said.

 

"We condemn this incident, which proves the CTG's incessant use of children in their terrorist activities," he added.

 

Meanwhile, LtGen. Almerol assured that the EastMinCom is on high alert status in securing the whole of Eastern Mindanao from CTG's planned atrocities, especially in areas identified with security concerns.

 

He also reiterated his call among the remaining CTG members to yield and avail of the government programs or they will be hunted down to face the consequences of their atrocities.

 

“We are open for those who will decide to go back into the mainstream society. Surrender now and avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) so you could finally live harmoniously with your families," he assured.###