Cabadbaran City, AGUSAN DEL NORTE- Following a tip-off from the residents of Sitio Tagbuaya, Bangonay, Jabonga, Agusan del Norte, the troops of the 29th Infantry (MATATAG) Battalion, Philippine Army encountered a five-minute firefight between eight (8) members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) and seized bomb making materials on the evening of May 02, 2022.
COLONEL JASON M SALDUA, Commanding Officer of 29IB, said that his unit immediately conducted a Focused Military Operations (FMO) in the area upon receiving information from the residents on the location of the CTG members.
Among the items seized during the operation were 4 kg Ammonium Nitrate ; 100 meters solid hawk-up wire; 2 pcs Dynamo; 6 meters Flat cord wire #18; 5 pcs Magnet; 36 pcs Eveready Battery (1.5 volts) and assorted food supplies.
The said captured materials are used for making improvised explosive device (IED), their continuous use of IEDs only shows the blatant disregard of the CTGs on the International Humanitarian Law which strongly prohibits the use of landmines or IEDs, including the materials used for making bombs in areas populated by civilians.
“We would like to extend our gratitude to our peace-loving communities for their strong support in our campaign to end the local insurgency in this province. With their active support and participation, the total collapse of the CTG is already imminent. These CTGs have been disturbing the lives of the populace who wished to live peacefully. That is why we encourage everyone to support the government in our campaign for us to attain inclusive peace and development in the area, “ said COLONEL SALDUA.
He also reiterated his call to the remaining members of the CTG to surrender and stop wasting their life on an ideology that could kill them one day.
“I reiterate my call to all CTG members who are still in the hinterlands. You still have time to heed our calls to surrender, return to the folds of the law, and go back into mainstream society. Avail the benefits of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). Take the chance to live a peaceful, normal life with your family and loved ones,” he added.
