CABADBARAN CITY, Agusan del Norte— Following a tip-off from the residents of Sitio Inayao, Brgy Bangonay, Jabonga, Agusan del Norte, the troops of the 29th Infantry “Matatag” Battalion, under the supervision of the 901st Infantry “Fight ‘Em” Brigade, discovered an arms cache of the Sentro de Grabidad 16 (SDG16), Guerilla Front 16 (GF16), North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) on the evening of July 20, 2022.
Col. Jason M. Saldua, Commanding Officer of 29IB, said that a concerned civilian reported the presence of armed communist terrorist group (CTG) who were periodically extorting and demanding all kinds of supplies from the residents of Sitio Inayao, Brgy Bangonay, Jabonga, ADN.
After validating the veracity of the report, the troops of 29IB immediately launched a combat operation that upon reaching the area, they were able to discover a newly abandoned encampment of the terrorists. Utilizing the capability of the K9 unit during the conduct of search and clearing operation, the troops were able to discover a CTG’s arms cache containing numerous HPFAs, and explosives. Among the materiel that were recovered are one (1) AK47 Rifle ; one (1) M4 Carbine Rifle; one (1) M16 Rifle; one (1) Bushmaster Rifle with two (2) magazines; 30 meters of firing wire gauge # 22; and one (1) Improvised Explosive Device (IED).
“We would like to extend our gratitude to the peace-loving residents of Sitio Inayao for tipping us the location of the terrorists and the activities that they are doing in the area,” Col Saldua said.
He added that with the residents active support and participation, they were able to immediately respond to the reports and were able to discover the CTGs’ arms cache as the discovery of the said arms cache will weaken the CTG’s activities to spread conflict, disunion and abolition of peace in the province of Agusan del Norte.
“Rest assured that with your support, we can together put an end to the long-term terroristic activities of the Communist Terrorists Group in the province,” Col Saldua added.
Similarly, Colonel Saldua reiterated the call to the remaining members of the CTG who are still hiding in the hinterlands to return to the mainstream of the society and stop wasting their lives on a misguided ideology that will eventually result to their demise.
“You still have time to heed the call of reconciliation, return to the folds of the law and go back to the mainstream of society. The 29IB, together with the local government units through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), will assist and help them to start anew. Take the chance to start a peaceful and harmonious life with your family and loved ones,” Col Saldua said.
