MALITBOG, Bukidnon – Several war materials, foodstuffs, and personal belongings marked with bloodstains from members of a Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) were recovered following an armed engagement against government troops of the 16th Infantry (Maglilingkod) Battalion around 10 A.M. of November 22, 2022, at vicinity Purok 7, Brgy. Mat-I, Claveria of Misamis Oriental.
Troops encountered around 15 armed CNTs believed to be members of SRSDG Eagles.
The clash resulted in the recovery of two high-powered firearms – one M653 and one M14 rifle, and various sustenance to include sacks of rice and various goods used by the group for their consumption.
With the successive combat operations of the unit, as well as combat engagements from neighboring battalions under the 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade, the rebel groups have been consistently on the run from government forces.
The revelations of Gergie Liponhay, alias Jayto, former commander of the armed group, enabled the unit to obtain significant information such as mobility routes, mass base supporters used to generate food supplies, and strategies for a more effective campaign.
With Christmas fast approaching, the 16IB once again reiterates its call for the remaining members of the CTGs to abandon the armed struggle and live anew as the year ends lest they face the consequences of the intensified operations being conducted in the entirety of the unit’s area of responsibility. Further, the unit remains committed to sustain focused military operations to attain the unified goal of ending local communist armed conflict.
