IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon (PIA)–Six firearms were seized during the military operation against the remnants of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in the hinterlands of Sitio Kamaca, Barangay Bontongon, Impasugong, Bukidnon, Friday, September 22, 2023.
In a determined bid to end the local insurgency in its area of operation, the 8th Infantry (Dependable) Battalion, led by Lieutenant Colonel Anthony A. Bacus, launched a focused military operation, which resulted in a 15-minute gunfight with seven CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) at 10:47 Friday morning.
The troops scoured the area after the clash and successfully confiscated one Cal .30 M1 Garand Rifle; Cal .45 M1911 Pistol; Cal .30 M1 Garand Rifle Clip loaded with eight rounds of ammunition; Cal .45 Pistol Magazine loaded with two rounds of ammunition; Improvised Explosive Device (IED); Fuse; Detonating cord; and a backpack with personal belongings.
At 1:20 in the afternoon on the same day, while conducting an extensive search for additional materials abandoned by the fleeing CNTs, the troops discovered a buried arms cache approximately one hundred meters from the encounter site, near Bigaan Creek in the same area.
Upon digging up the arms cache, the troops seized a 5.56mm M16A1 Rifle; an M203 Grenade Launcher; another Cal .30 M1 Garand Rifle; Cal .22 Semi-Automatic Pistol; four units of M16 Long Magazine; and an empty Cal .22 Pistol Drum Magazine.
Lt. Col. Bacus explained that the combat operation to flush out the terrorists from their lairs was launched in response to a verified civilian report of the CTGs’ presence in the area.
“The unwavering support of the local community played a crucial role in achieving this triumph. The successful offensive of the government troops led to the capture of six firearms, among other CNT war paraphernalia,” he said.
Army reports said the NPA rebels must have been wounded in the firefight as globs of blood splotched along their escape route. No casualties were reported among the government forces.
Philippine Army’s Brigadier General Michele B. Anayron, Jr., commander of the 403rd Infantry (Peacemaker) Brigade, emphasized the government’s willingness to assist those who wish to surrender.
“Our operational success is the result of the reports provided by concerned citizens who were keenly aware of the presence of CPP-NPA Terrorists in the region. This proves that they don’t have mass supporters and no longer enjoy widespread aid. They now have only limited food supplies in their mountain hideouts. These leave them with no choice but to surrender and return to the folds of the law. We will continue to protect people in the hinterlands from the recruitment and deceptions of communist terrorists because this is our mandate. We continue to call on the remaining CTG members who want to lay down their arms and choose peace that we are willing to help you,” the brigade commander said. (8IB CMO/403Bde, 4ID PA/PIA 10-Bukidnon)
