Gigaquit, Surigaodel Norte – One (1) Male Member of CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) was killed during an encounter at So Baliw, Brgy Payapag, Bacuag, Surigao del Norte between troops of the 30th Infantry (Fight On) Battalion, Philippine Army and Sandatahang Yunit Pangpropanda (SYP) 16C2, Guerilla Front 16, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee under Alberto Castaneda @JD. The incident happened at 2:30 in the afternoon, March 18, 2021.
The encounter transpired when Government Forces were sent to verify and confirm a reported presence of CNTs who were allegedly planning to harass a CAFGU patrol base located in So Baliw, Barangay Payapag, Bacuag, SDN. While the troops were approaching the reported location, they were fired upon by the CNTs forcing them to retaliate. A firefight ensued immediately thereafter. After fifteen minutes of fierce battle, government troops were able to overrun the enemy’s position forcing them (CNTs) to scamper into different direction leaving behind One (1) dead comrade (Body Count) wearing a Bandoleer filled with Six (6) Magazines of M16 Rifle containing live ammunitions.
The identity of the said CNT casualty is yet to be determined as of this report. The Cadaver was then turned-over to Bacuag Municipal Police Station for documentation and proper disposition.
It can be recalled that the same group of CNTs had an encounter with the troops of 30th Infantry Battalion last January 13, 2021 in Brgy. Camam-onan, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte where they (CNTs) lost one member and another left by her comrades bleeding of whom government troops immediately administered first aid and was evacuated to a military hospital for further medication. At present, said wounded amazon has fully recovered from her wounds.
LTC Ryan Charles Callanta, Commanding Officer of 30th Infantry (Fight On) Battalion said “I commend our troops on their timely respond to the information by concerned civilians regarding the presence of CNTs that if not preempted or deterred could have resulted to unfavorable situation for the government troops and the populace in the area. The incident once again has proven that more and more local citizens are cooperating with us by voluntarily giving us the information we need to prevent these NPA terrorists from creating havoc in their localities. But on the other side, I am again deeply saddened, in behalf of my troops, I extend my condolences to the relatives and loved ones of the dead CNT member, another victim of this senseless struggle, a revolutionary cause full of lies and deceit. Once again, I invite the remaining members of CNTs to abandon the organization, return to the folds of law and live peacefully and progressive with your loved ones. The Government will grant amnesty for whatever crimes the remaining members of the CPP-NPA committed under Presidential Proclamation No. 1093 s. 2021 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on February 5, 2021”. Such is a lifetime opportunity and chance. The door is still open, they can grab it anytime. LTC Callanta concluded.
