CLAVERIA, MISAMIS ORIENTAL – A communist NPA terrorist was killed, and one high-powered firearm was seized by the 58th Infantry Battalion during an encounter at the hinterlands of Brgy Mimbuli, Salay, Misamis Oriental, June 07, 2021.
The encounter occured at around three in the afternoon as the 58IB responded to a tip-off from a concerned citizen that a group of armed men was conducting food foraging and was threatening them anew.
The slain rebel was identified by his former comrades as Elly Marianas Cabusog, alias Dariel, a member of Guerilla Front Huawei of the Sub-regional Committee 1 of North Central Mindanao Regional Command (NCMRC). He was a resident of Sitio Salahon of Brgy Alipuaton in Salay, Misamis Oriental.
While scouring the encounter site, the troops discovered a male combatant who had been abandoned and left to die on-site of the battle, one M16 rifle, personal belongings, and assorted medical paraphernalia was also recovered.
Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Ricky Canatoy, Commanding Officer of the 58IB, remarked, “Our relentless operations in the remote areas are meant to drive the NPA terrorists away from communities so they will not have the chance to disrupt the communities in peace; and avoid the prevalence of resource generation through crimes like extortion.” He then expressed his profound condolences to the family of the deceased NPA rebel. “Another life has been lost in the war against the failed ideology of the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs).”
He also urged the remaining NPA fighters to lay down their arms, return to the folds of the law, and avail the government programs. “I truly hope that a growing number of NPA rebels will now surrender and cease believing the lies and deceptions that have been placed in your heads. Do it for the sake of your own life and to avoid dying prematurely. It’s still not too late. You still have the option of surrendering and returning to the folds of the law. Similarly, your Army will continue to work to safeguard the safety and security of everyone in the communities.” He concluded.
The found cadaver was subsequently transported to a funeral home in Salay, where he was given a decent and proper turn-over to his family.
