CLAVERIA, MISAMIS ORIENTAL – The joint troops of the 58th Infantry “Dimalulupig” Battalion (58IB) and PNP units yet again captured four New People’s Army (NPA) rebels and recovered firearms and ammunition in pursuit operations covering separate areas in Misamis Oriental, June 18, 2021.
Last June 17, following their surrender and subsequent disclosure of the locations of five high-powered rifles to authorities, alias Juno and Yesa gave up the locations of weapons and ammo storage of their own comrades who were responsible for the series of encounters with 58IB last June 07.
Authorities from the troops of 58IB and PNP’s Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB10) acted quickly upon the information which resulted to the apprehension of the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs). Troops captured a Marlon M Acosta alias Jonathan, Marnie L Berito alias Edward, Nelson R Berito alias Lorence and Jeffrey B Macabecha alias Jelo. The same units also recovered their buried issued firearms: one AK 47 rifle, two cal .30 Carbines and 15 rounds of .40mm grenade launcher ammunition.
The apprehended rebels are full-time members of Platoon Cherry Mobile, Huawei, Sub-Regional Committee 1, North Central Mindanao Regional Command. They deviously blend in with the communities, endangering and threatening the innocent while actively supporting the armed group to recover from the recent encounters by providing food and arms, storage and distribution of ammo whenever needed against the government forces.
Meanwhile, 58IB Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Ricky L Canatoy stated, “The NPA has been fighting for decades, spreading lies and deceptions, and destroying lives here and there.” They want to destroy the government and establish a communist state, and in order to do so, they continue to use and radicalize the most vulnerable people in far-flung barangays in order to advance their own personal goal. Only the true government run by and for the people will genuinely care about your well-being.”
“Our message to the remnants of the armed struggle remains the same: Stop believing these lies instilled in you and start standing up for yourself. Do not be alarmed by your commanders’ statements, they are merely propaganda and lies. Be fearful of what awaits you if you continue to choose the armed struggle. Return to the folds of the law and have a chance to be with your families, or face the full force of the law,” Lt. Col. Canatoy ended.
The said captured NPA members were then brought to 58IB Advance Command Post, Brgy Umagos Lagonglong Mis Or for proper disposition and will be turned over to Misamis Oriental Police Provincial Office for filing of cases.
