4ID captured top CPP-NPA leader, end of CTG in Bukidnon nears

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – The end of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Bukidnon province nears after the 88th Infantry Battalion (88IB) of 4ID captured the Secretary of Guerilla Front (GF) Malayag, Sub-Regional Committee 2 (SRC2) of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) and the Team Leader of Squad Uno, GF Malayag at Mt. Kumong Tabanog, So. Lugayaran, Brgy. Palacpacan, San Fernando, Bukidnon, on Monday morning, October 25.

The captured CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) were identified as Ramil Banawan alias Migs/Kim/Edukaw, a resident of Sitio Danquias, Brgy Cawayan, Quezon, Bukidnon, the Secretary of GF Malayag, SRC2, NCMRC, and Marcelito Bandigan alias Niks/Raymond, a resident of Sitio Miaray, Barangay Mandahikan, Cabanglasan Bukidnon, the Team Leader of Squad 1, GF Malayag, SRC2, NMCRC.

Soldiers seized an M16 Rifle and a 9mm Glock Pistol from the said CNTs who are now at the Headquarters of 88IB in Maramag, Bukidnon for initial processing.

Brigadier General Ferdinand T Barandon, Commander of the 403rd Bde, who has operational jurisdiction in the said area, confirmed the arrest of one of the notorious terrorist leaders of the NCMRC’s GF Malayag. He further added that GF Malayag suffered devastating setbacks after two (2) firefights with 88IB last September 8 and 10, 2021.

“Ramil “Migz” Banawan, together with more or less 20 CNTs encountered the 88IB last September 8, 2021 resulting in 4 CNTs killed. Moreover, the 88th IB captured 10 more CNTs, which includes 3 minors, and was able to seize 16 high-powered firearms in Brgy Mabuhay, San Fernando, Bukidnon. While on September 10, 2021, the 88IB encountered GF Malayag’s Platoon Bagsik resulting in the capture of 4 CNTs incuding 2 minors and seizure of 6 high-powered firearms at Brgy Laligan, Valencia City, Bukidnon,” BGen Barandon Jr said.

In a statement, Major General Romeo S Brawner Jr, Commander of the 4ID, said that the downfall of the NCMRC has become clearer as several of its top leaders were either captured or have surrendered to the government, while firefights between the AFP and CTG also favored the government troops.

“Recent surrenderers and arrested CPP-NPA-NDF leaders and members have revealed the low morale and the loss of sense of direction of the whole NCMRC. With the capture of GF Malayag’s top leader, we are hoping that this would signal the realization of the remaining CTG members and leaders to abandon the armed struggle and heed our call for peace,” MGen Brawner Jr said.

Meanwhile, the arrested personalities are facing multiple criminal cases and has standing warrants of arrest for Destructive Arson with Criminal Case Nr 37148-21, and Frustrated Murder Criminal Case Nr 36903-21 both issued by Judge Wilfredo G Bibera of RTC 10, Branch 46, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. In addition, Attempted Multiple Murder and violation of Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 were also filed against them.

“The NCMRC’s eventual end is inevitable, the civilian populace are gaining courage to fight back against the threat and terror brought upon them while the LGUs and LGAs have significantly increased their awareness on their role to address the root cause of insurgency. I highly commend their courage in joining our campaign to attain genuine peace and development. Without them, this continuous success cannot be achieved,” MGen Brawner Jr added.

It can be recalled that NCMRC’s GF4A Front Secretary, Khim Agad Mapoy alias Patrick, and his older brother, Loreto Agad Mapoy alias Arvin, along with seven (7) others surrendered to 23IB. While a fugitive CTG Central Committee member, Adelaida “Loida” Magpatok alias Gwen/Emyang/Kudaw/Robby, the former Secretary of FMSR, NDF Consultant, and CPP-NPA-NDF Central Committee member was apprehended during a joint AFP-PNP operation in Quezon, Bukidnon.

Moreover, the NCMRC’s Sub Regional Committee 1 (SRC1) Secretary and Deputy Secretary, Manuelito Satur alias Misong and Merlyn Satur alias Maya with two medics were apprehended by the joint forces of 58IB, Intelligence units and elements of Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10) in Gingoog City last September 16, 2021.

“This is a triumph of every Filipino who wants to attain justice and live a peaceful life. Once again, I am calling the remaining CTG members and leaders to avail of the government’s reintegration program, E-CLIP. You must now grab the opportunity; especially that the yuletide season is fast approaching. Returning to your homes is the best gift that you can give to your family and loved ones this Christmas.” MGen Brawner Jr stated.

Comments are closed.