CLAVERIA, MISAMIS ORIENTAL – A Militia ng Bayan (MB) member was captured, and one high-powered firearm was seized by the 58th Infantry Battalion during an encounter at the hinterlands of Sitio Lantad, Brgy Kibanban, Balingasag, Misamis Oriental, July 05, 2021.
The troops encountered more or less five NPA fighters believed to be armed elements of SDG Samsung Guerilla Front Huawei, Sub-Regional Committee 1 of Northern Central Mindanao Regional Command (NCMRC) at around 3 in the afternoon.
Following the firefight, troops resumed pursuit operations within Yahong Complex, where they apprehended a certain Ruben Ayuma Lindahay, alias Masi, a member of the Militia ng Bayan. Masi was verified to be a supply courier for the weakening NPAs in their supply of goods and resources, according to intel.
Masi revealed the location of high-powered firearm, high-explosives, subversive documents, and personal belongings of his comrades during detention debriefing, to which the troops quickly responded and seized the following: one Cal.22mm rifle, three rounds 40mm high-explosive grenades, one jungle hammock, two notebooks, several notes containing tactical offensive plans and details, and other personal belongings.
Furthermore, Masi also allegedly committed horrible crimes in the past, including sexually assaulting his daughter for ten years (from the ages of three to thirteen), and eventually recruiting his own daughter, who was a minor at the time, to fight with arms and join the armed group, according to a former rebel.
“The insurgency problem continues to persist because of the existence of people who continue to serve and support the NPAs through resource generation,” said 58IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Ricky L Canatoy. Instead of weakening after an encounter, the enemy is able to reenergize and restore momentum because of Militia ng Bayan members who act as supply couriers. Keep in mind that the supplies that fall into the hands of the NPA translate into bullets that could hit and kill our forces. And these MB exist because their leaders’ lies, and deceptions continue to infiltrate their heads. Stop believing the lies that are instilled in you. Surrender now and turn away from this imprudent cause. Return to the folds of the law or face the full force of the law.”
Masi will be held accountable for his crimes from the past to the present, having played a critical role in the NPA’s existence.
