Camp Evangelista, Cagayan de Oro City – The Joint intelligence operations conducted by the troops of the 4th Infantry Division in the provinces of Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Sur in the Caraga region led to the peaceful surrender of seven (7) CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) along with four (4) firearms on July 6 and 7, 2024.
Specifically, the joint intelligence operations of the 75th Infantry Battalion and 30th Infantry Battalion, supervised by the 401st Infantry Brigade, resulted in the successful surrender of four (4) CNTs with two (2) AK47 Rifles in Purok 1, Brgy. Magroyong, San Miguel, Surigao Del Sur on July 7, 2024.
The individuals who surrendered were identified as Sharon Rose Josol alias Jona/Dal/Nica/Nel/Fury, Squad Medic, and Janny Mira Macabacia alias Jesrel/Del/Wanjo, Squad Leader, both members of Squad 2, Platoon 1 of the Sub Regional Sentro De Gravidad (SRSDG) Westland of the so-called North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC); and Jerry Campos alias Ian/Asing/Rian, Squad Leader, and Vanilyn Ohao Alaman, Medic, both from the Dismantled Guerilla Front 21, NEMRC.
BGen. Francisco Lorenzo, Commander of the 401st Infantry Brigade, reiterated his call to the remaining CTG members to give peace a chance and avail the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program. He assured strict adherence to the respect of human rights and would facilitate their safe return to their families.
In a separate operation, the troops of the 29IB and 30IB, under the operational control of the 901st Infantry Brigade led by BGen. Arsenio DC Sadural, conducted military operations resulting in the neutralization of three (3) CNTs and the capture of four (4) firearms in Cabadbaran City and Kitcharao, both in Agusan del Norte, on July 5 and 6, 2024.
On July 6, 2024, troops of the 29IB and 30IB, under the direct supervision of Lt. Col. Cresencio Gargar, 29IB Commanding Officer, facilitated the successful surrender of three (3) CNTs at the 29IB Headquarters, Brgy. Del Pilar, Cabadbaran City. The surrendered CNTs, who brought along with them Springfield Cal. 30MM Sniper Rifle and Cal. 9MM Ingram Sub-Machine Gun, were identified as Michael B. Luca alias Rifle/Aga/Agila, his wife, Angelica S. Curob alias Janine, and Junreel C. Undayay alias Max/Isok, all members of the SRSDG Westland of Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Westland, NEMRC.
“This accomplishment underscores our relentless pursuit of peace and security in our area of operations. Said surrender was the result of the encounter last July 5, 2024, between the troops of the 30IB led by Lt. Col. Jerold H Jale supported by the troops of 29IB against more or less six (6) CNTs belonging to the same CTG unit in Barangay Hinimbangan, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte. We have been conducting joint operations between and among different units under my Brigade to pursue and track down the remaining CTG members in the different parts of our area of operations,” BGen. Sadural said.
In a statement, MGen. Jose Maria R Cuerpo II, 4ID Commander, lauded the joint intelligence operations of the units under the 901st and 401st Brigades for efficiently negotiating and reaching out to the remaining CTG members to surrender and choose the path of peace.
“These successes are the result of the concerted efforts of our ground troops with the firm support of local communities, and the collaborative initiatives under the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC). These combined efforts are aimed at defeating the CTG decisively and laying the foundation for sustained peace and development across Northern Mindanao and the Caraga regions. We shall ensure that our operations are not only effective but also responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people,” MGen. Cuerpo added.