CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental – One communist NPA terrorist was killed, and two high-powered firearms were seized during a clash between the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) and troops under 58th Infantry Dimalulupig Battalion, February 17, 2022.
The encounter against approximately 20 NPA terrorists occurred at roughly 9:30 a.m. in the hinterlands of So Minlanag, Brgy Lawaan, Gingoog City, as the troops were conducting military operations.
The firefight lasted about 20 minutes against the armed elements of GF Huawei and SRSDG Eagles, Sub-regional Committee 1 (SRC1) of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC), which resulted to the fatal death of one male NPA fighters. His identity is yet to be identified as of this writing.
Following that, troops discovered two (2) M16 rifles, five (5) short and one long magazine for M16 rifle and one twenty three (123) 5.56mm ammunition, as well as subversive documents and personal items. On the government’s side, no casualties have been reported.
Lt Col Ricky L Canatoy, Commanding Officer of the 58th Infantry Battalion said, “The encounter is a result of the ongoing effort and active steps to thwart terroristic activities, as commanded by the Commander-in-Chief, that is to finally put an end to insurgency before his term ends this June 2022. Furthermore, we have continued to pursue the remnants of SRC1 and have intensified our focused military operations. However, another life was lost in the fight against the failed ideology of the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs). We send our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.”
“We implore the surviving members of the CTG to lay down their arms, return to the folds of the law, and live a peaceful and normal life, avoiding unnecessary death. Your families are looking forward to meeting you, hoping that you will change the course of your lives and spend the rest of your lives with them, free of chaos and useless ideology.
The discovered cadaver was transported to a funeral home in Gingoog City, where he will be given a decent and proper turn-over to his family.
