IMPASUGONG, BUKIDNON – Government troops have seized firearms and personal belongings of the CTGs following an encounter on Thursday 03 March 2022 in the hinterlands of Sitio Kilap-agan, Barangay Can-ayan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.
The troops from 8th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army captured one (1) M16 rifle, one (1) magazine, one (1) ASUS laptop, live ammunitions of M16 rifles, three (3) anti-personnel landmines which are prohibited under the Mine Ban Convention, and subversive documents among other war paraphernalia. Moreover, the troops apprehended a number of personalities at the encounter site found to be aiding the terrorist group and who are currently detained at Malaybalay City Police Station.
The captured personalities to include Ellorin Goaynon, a well-known local CTG supporter who surrendered in 2020 but was reported recently to have been aiding again the NPAs and even allowing his farm land to be used by the CTGs as staging area prior conducting extortion activities in the community, four (4) other personalities were also captured, namely; Reyboy Goaynon, Andrew Mohol, Jovani Likayan, and Michael Siraga.Based on the official report, concerned citizens informed the soldiers of sightings of the CTGs roaming around the village asking for food and extorting money, prompting them to respond and resulting to an encounter that lasted for about 30 minutes.
Both sides reported no casualties; however, bloodstains were found at the enemy withdrawal route as the government troops conducted pursuit operations.
8IB Commander Lt. Col. Anthony A Bacus thanked the residents and the local officials for trusting the government soldiers by reporting sightings of the terrorists who have sown nothing but fear in the hearts of the citizens.
“Kami ay nagpasalamat sa nagpakabanang katawhan ug local na opisyales tungod ang ilang gihatag na taho miresulta sa malampuson natong pagpakgang sa daotang gimbuhaton sa mga terroristang NPA”, he said. (We are thankful to the concerned citizens and local officials because, through their reports, we were able to prevent the atrocities and potential harm the CNTs might inflict on our people).
On the other hand, he appealed to some citizens who are still helping the movement of these terrorist group by serving as couriers, advance post, and search elements among other activities in their aid.
“Ayaw ninyo tugoti nga magamit ug mailad pa kamo niining grupoha nga terorista nga walay laing gidala gawas sa walay pulos nga gubat ug pagpamatay nga padayong nakabalda sa mga paningkamot sa katawhan ug gobyerno aron madala ang tinuod nga kalinaw ug kalamboan sa probinsya sa Bukidnon”, he further said. (Do not allow yourselves to be used and fooled by this terrorist group who has brought nothing but a senseless war and killings that is continuously disrupting the efforts of the people and government to bring genuine peace and development in the province of Bukidnon).
Brigadier General Ferdinand T. Barandaon, Commander of 403rd Infantry Brigade called on the remaining members of the CPP-NPA-NDF to surrender to the government and start a new life.
“Mga kaigsoonan nga naglihok ug nagpabilin sa armadong pakigbisog kontra sa gobyerno, musamot ang inyo kalisod ug kagutom kong magpabilin ang inyong mali nga pakigbisog, mao nga ang nagkahiusang ahensya sa gobyerno ginabuhat ang tanan aron maundang na ang insurhensiya. Busa nanawagan ko isip inyong higala nga kanaog namo samtang naa pay igong panahon aron magbag-o ug mubalik nganhi sa sabakan sa gobyerno. Duol na kamo aron matabangan mo sa labing daling panahon,” Brig. Gen. Barandon added.” (My brothers and sisters who are still in the armed struggle against the government, you will continue to suffer hardship and hunger while you remain in the wrong ideology of armed struggle, that is why the government agencies are doing their best to stop the insurgency. Do not miss the opportunity while you have the chance to change and surrender. Do not hesitate to approach our government so that you will get aid as soon as possible).
On the other point of view, Lt. Col. Bacus urged the remaining NPA members to take advantage of the government programs, particularly the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
“Kami magpadayun nga magpahigayon sa among operasyon alang sa kalinaw ug kalambuan sa nasud maong ang panawagan namo sa nahibilin pang mga CNT nga mu-surrender na ug pahimuslan ang Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) alang sa ilang kinabuhing malinawon,” Bacus ended. (We will continue conducting our operations in our bid to attain lasting peace and sustainable development here in our area of responsibility, which is why we urge the remaining CNTs to surrender and avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) for a peaceful life).
