EastMinCom troops neutralize 3 CNTs, capture 15 firearms in Butuan City clash

NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - Relentless offensives launched by the Joint Task Force (JTF) Diamond troops under the guidance of LtGen. Greg T. Almerol, Commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), led to the death of three Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) and the capture of 15 high-powered firearms following a skirmish in Mt. Apo-Apo, Sitio Dugyaman, Brgy. Anticala, Butuan City, on June 16.

 

In a report from the 901st Infantry Brigade (901Bde), combined troops of the 29th Infantry Battalion (29IB) and 30IB clashed with the combined elements of Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda 21C, Guerilla Front 21 (SYP21C, GF21) and Platoon Dao, Sub-Regional Sentro de Grabidad (SRSDG) Westland, both under the Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Westland, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) after responding to reports from concerned citizens regarding the presence of armed individuals in the area.

 

The encounter resulted in the death of one male and two female CNTs whose true names are still being obtained. Troops also captured five AK47 rifles, four AR18 rifles, three M4 rifles, two M203 grenade launchers, an M16 rifle, and terrorist documents.

 

From January 1 to June 16 this year, EastMinCom has already logged 201 neutralized Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) members, 227 captured and surrendered firearms, and 34 seized anti-personnel mines.

 

Meanwhile, LtGen. Almerol commended the cooperation of civilians and the swift action of JTF Diamond troops which resulted in the successful operations. He is also optimistic that CTG's recent defeat will aggravate the demoralization of its forces in the Caraga Region.

 

"The series of defeats of the CTG in Eastern Mindanao, especially in Caraga Region, proved that the support from their top-to-bottom leadership, including their former mass bases, is already absent. Therefore, the only solution is for them to surrender or face the consequences of their anti-people behavior at the hands of our troops," he said.#

 

 

Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP