PLACER, Surigao del Norte – Troops under the operational control of 901st Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army (29th Infantry Battalion, 65th Infantry Battalion and other combat units), successively engaged CTGs in six (6) encounters in a week from August 19 to August 26, 2024, which resulted into one (1) male CTG member killed and the capture of a total of three (3) high-powered firearms.
The encounters took place in the hinterlands of Barangay Salvacion, Butuan City, and Barangay Tabon-tabon, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur, by elements of the 29th IB, against the Regional Headquarters (RHQ) NEMRC led by Myrna Sularte, alias Maria Malaya, on August 19 and August 24. This resulted in the capture of one M16 rifle with magazine, ammunition, backpacks, medical and war paraphernalia, and other personal belongings.
Another encounter occurred on the midnight of August 26, when elements of the 29th IB clashed with Platoon 1 Sub-region Sentro de Grabidad (SRSDG-WL) led by Arnel Bangues, alias Dindo, at Brgy De Oro, Butuan City. The operation resulted in the death of one (1) male CTG member (Aldo Gano alias Tulong, resident of Sto Nino,Bayugan City) and the capture of one (1) AK47 rifle with magazine, ammunition, and a backpack.
In the morning of August 26, elements of the 65th IB clashed with Platoon 3, SRSDG-WL led by Emmie Mar Mersa Anub, alias Dongkoy, at Brgy Villangit, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur. The operation resulted in the capture of one (1) M653 rifle with magazine and other personal belongings.
Likewise, bloodstains were seen at all the sites, indicating massive casualties among the CTGs. The SRSDG-WL is believed to be securing the RHQ-NEMRC which is planning to conduct retaliatory atrocities nearby.
“We are committed to tracking down these CTGs and holding them accountable for their crimes against the people,” said by Brigadier General Arsenio Sadural, Commander of the 901st Brigade.
“We will continue to pursue and dismantle the CTGs until we achieve a more peaceful and stable region,” Sadural said. “We will work closely with stakeholders to ensure the success of our efforts and enable progress and development to flourish.”
