The NPA terrorist groups in Bukidnon consolidated at their guerilla base deep in the dense jungles of Kalatungan Mountain range to launch a large-scale attack against private construction comp Jnanies, civilian targets, and military bases to celebrate the NDF’s 48th Anniversary on April 24, 2021. This information was reported to the Special Forces by concerned civilians of Valencia City, Bukidnon who wish to live in peace.
As liberators of the oppressed and the government’s legitimate champion of peace, security, and suppression of violence, the 1st Special Forces Battalion of the Philippine Army immediately launched an operation to thwart the impending terrorist attack of 50 combined NPA terrorists under the Sub-Regional Command 4, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.
On April 16, 2021, 5:20 pm, elite teams of 1st Special Forces Battalion encountered 50 NPA terrorists in their hideout at the heart of the dense jungles of Sitio Tun-ogan, Brgy Lilingayon, Valencia City, Bukidnon. Under raging enemy fire and at a disadvantageous position, the Special Forces assaulted the numerically superior enemy, thus successfully seizing the vast terrorist guerilla base. One communist cadre died and several rebels were wounded in the encounter. The teams captured one high-powered firearm, a vast cache of ammunition, Improvised Explosive Devices, and documents of solid proof of their plans to overthrow the government and destroy the lives of innocent civilians.
The cadaver of the NPA terrorist was brought to Brgy. Lilingayon, Valencia City, Bukidnon and was turned over to the barangay officials and PNP personnel. Proper arrangements were made for the cadaver at Villanueva Funeral Homes in Valencia City. The departed was received by the victim’s parents.
The tragic truth revealed by the bereaved mother: she has been wanting to surrender for a long time. She longed for a peaceful life and raise her child. However, her husband, who is an active NPA terrorist, made it impossible for her to leave the group. It is our great misfortune that she became a victim of communist ideology.
LTC VERCISIO G SAN JOSE JR INF (GSC) PA, Battalion Commander of the 1st Special Forces Battalion, said “I encourage the NPA to abandon its twisted and violent communist ideology and peacefully surrender to avail of the socio-economic programs of the government. But for those NPA terrorists who refuse to heed the government’s call to lay down their arms, the 1st Special Forces Battalion will be relentless and aggressive in the fight to end the communist NPA violence. We will hunt them down until the last communist terrorist NPA element is neutralized and prevented from waging violence against the innocent civilians and to the legitimate government.”
BGEN FERDINAND T BARANDON PA, Commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, 4ID, PA, issued his statement “We have before us an ordeal of the most grievous kind. After decades of struggle and suffering of our people, we are finally cracking down on the NPA Terrorists. Our best efforts are at ending this armed conflict to give way to the peace and development of Bukidnon. We thank profusely the concerned civilians of Valencia City who gave valuable information that led to the thwarting of the attack of these monsters. The ever-increasing support from communities and local government units ensures the inevitable defeat of communist armed conflict.”
“Victory is within reach.”
The outstanding courage and determination of the Silent Professionals with extreme risk of life above and beyond the call duty is a perfect example of the Philippine Army’s mandate to serve the people and protect the land against the violence and exploitation of NPA terrorists in Bukidnon.
