1 CNT neutralized, 2 firearms seized in Agusan del Sur encounter
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur – A member of the communist terrorist group (CTG) was neutralized, and two firearms were recovered following an armed encounter between government forces and insurgents on March 4, 2025, at Sitio Banal, Barangay Magsaysay, Prosperidad, this province.
Troops from the 44th Division Reconnaissance Company, 4th Division Reconnaissance Battalion, under the operational control of the 401st Infantry "Unite N' Fight" Brigade, engaged CTG members in a firefight that lasted for 30 minutes. The insurgents were forced to retreat, leaving behind one casualty identified as Arnel Dator, also known as "Darwin," a member of the Sub-Regional Sentro de Gravidad (SRSDG) Southland, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).
The remains of the neutralized CTG member were turned over to the local government of Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, for proper disposition. Additionally, troops recovered one M16 rifle, one AR18 rifle, backpacks, a bandolier, and subversive documents from the encounter site, all of which were handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation.
The operation was initiated in response to reports from concerned residents about CTG activities in the area, including extortion and other disruptive actions affecting local communities.
Following the engagement, as part of its civil-military operations, the 401st Brigade, through the 1st Civil-Military Operations "Magkahiusa" Company, 4th CMO Battalion, and 3rd Special Forces Battalion, conducted loudspeaker operations, dialogues, and distributed informational materials in nearby barangays to reassure residents of their safety and security.
Col. Emil Cruz, Acting Commander of the 401st Infantry Brigade, commended the troops for their efforts and reaffirmed the military's commitment to peace and security in the region.
"We remain steadfast in our mission to protect our communities and ensure a secure environment for progress and development. This successful operation highlights the strong collaboration between security forces and local residents in achieving lasting peace," Col. Cruz stated.
He also renewed his call for the remaining NPA members to surrender and reintegrate into society, encouraging them to abandon armed struggle in favor of a peaceful and productive life. (Cpt. Arc F Jayson, 401st Brigade, PA/PIA Agusan del Sur)
