Firearm, ammos seized as army hunts down remaining CNTs in AgNor
BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte – The troopers of 23rd Infantry “Masigasig” Battalion (23IB), under the operational control of 402nd Infantry “Stingers” Brigade (402Bde), figured in another clashed with the CPP-NPA terrorists (CNTs) on December 14, 2021, in a hinter barangay in Agusan del Norte.
After receiving persistent reports of residents who are terrorized by the presence of the CNTs, the responding troops immediately proceeded to the area and conducted a focused military operations (FMO) and encountered around five CNTs believed to be members of SRSDG SAGAY, NCMRC led by Baking (real name: Jelan Pinakilid) at the vicinity of Sitio Malague, Barangay Guinabsan, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.
The firefight lasted for about five minutes, after which the enemy
withdrew towards the northeast direction. As reported by the residents, the
members of SRSDG SAGAY are now on the run.
The 23IB troopers successfully recovered one M14 Rifle with two
magazines, one bandolier, and live ammunitions at the encounter site.
Prior to this encounter, armed skirmishes also transpired between
the 23IB troops and the CNTs in Sitio Tacub, Barangay Rizal, Buenavista, Agusan
del Norte last December 8, 2021. The CNTs also hastily escaped and fled in
different directions after the encounter.
Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C Paulo, commanding officer of 23IB,
directed the troops to continue scouring the nearby barangays to hunt the
fleeing terrorists.
“As much as possible, we want our troops to deal with CNT members
and leaders peacefully but they chose rash action by firing against government
forces. As soldiers, it is part of our mandate to contain violent acts for the
safety of the people living in the communities,” Lt. Col. Paulo said.
Col. Adonis Ariel G Orio, brigade commander of 402Bde, said that
these successful engagements send a strong message to the CNTs about the
persistent and consistent operations against the remaining members of the said
terrorist group.
He further urged the remaining CNT members to value their lives
and go home to their families for good.
“I urge them to surrender peacefully instead of continuing to live
a pointless life in hiding. After all, they no longer have places to go and
hide since our troops are already tracking them, therefore, surrender now and avail
of the benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program
(ECLIP),” Col. Orio said.
Col. Orio said the troops under the 402Bde will continue to
conduct intensified military operations in the area in response to the number
of information provided by the local residents.
The recent accomplishment, he added, is part of the ramped-up efforts in order ending the local communist armed conflict. (2Lt. Angel Grace M. Sebelina, CMO Officer, 23IB, PA/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
