CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental – During a series of encounters between the troops of the 58th Infantry Dimalulupig Battalion and the Communist Terrorist Groups, three communist NPA terrorists were killed and three high-powered firearms were seized (CTG), March 18, 2022.
The first encounter occurred at 7 a.m. in the hinterlands of Barangay Plaridel, Claveria MisOr, as the troops were conducting military operations while following traces of a CTG hideout discovered in the area.
The firefight lasted about ten minutes against 10 armed elements of GF Huawei of Sub-regional Committee 1 (SRC1) of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC). Heavy bloodstains were discovered as the troops continued their pursuit of the fleeing enemies, which led to another encounter, an hour later, that lasted for about another ten minutes.
In total, the series of encounters resulted in the capture of the following: one KG9, one M16 rifle, one Carbine rifle, five makeshift tents, one long magazine for M16 loaded with ammunition, one magazine for carbine loaded with ammo, personal belongings, and subversive documents. No casualties have been reported on the government’s side.
Lt. Col. Ricky L. Canatoy, Commanding Officer of the 58th Infantry Battalion, said, “The Army has been merciful to the armed rebels in recent months, urging them to return to the folds of the law and live a peaceful and normal life, thus avoiding unnecessary death. Because it is our duty as soldiers to protect and secure the lives of the innocent and the progress of Misamis Oriental. Even during election season, we will remain vigilant against this terrorist group and anyone else planning to incite violence in MisOr. We will not hesitate to use force against peacebreakers and other threat groups that continue to use terrorism because we do not tolerate it. Our offer still stands to the remaining members of the CPP-NPA to return to the folds of the law and avail themselves of the programs and services of the government intended for them.”
The found cadavers were subsequently turned over to the Barangay Council and MDRRMO Balingasag where they will be given decent and proper turn-over to their families.
