IMPASUGONG BUKIDNON – War materials and other personal belongings were seized following a clash between the government troops and Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in the hinterlands of Sitio Cogon-cogon, Barangay Manalog, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon on March 04, 2023, Saturday.
Through the support of the community of said Barangay provided to the government troopers conducting Mobile Community Support Sustainment (MCSS) operations in the area, the troops from 8th Infantry (Dependable) Battalion under Operational Control of the 403 rd Infantry “Peacemaker” Brigade launched Focused Military Operations which resulted to an encounter in the morning of the above-mentioned date against more or less 20 members of the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs). After a 55-minute clash, the troops were able to seize the fortified enemy encampment and captured war materiel and enemy personal belongings such as one (1) Assault Rifle AK47; three (3) magazines of AK47; 14 rounds of live M203 ammunitions; three (3) Improvised Explosive Device with blasting cap; two (2) extended wires for blasting; one (1) laptop; one (1) electronic tablet; seven (7) assorted cellphones; one (1) Honda generator set; three (3) backpacks with personal belongings; one (1) mobile printer; one (1) transistor radio; one (1) big cauldron; medical paraphernalia and numerous food supplies.
One (1) soldier was slightly wounded on his left cheek, while the CNTs suffered several casualties due to bloodstains seen along their withdrawal route and are currently being pursued by the government troops.
The new Commander of the 403 rd Infantry Brigade, COL MICHELE B ANAYRON JR INF (MNSA) PA, lauded the troops and the populace who have been fed-up by the deceit and lies of the CNTs and is now continually supporting the AFP’s campaign on ending the insurgency. “Dako ang akong pag dayig ug pagpasalamat sa atong mga kasundalohan sa ilang malampusong pag responde aron mahatagan ug siguridad ang lumulupyo sa maong lugar. Mapasalamaton pud ko sa padayon nga kooperasyon sa atong mga lokal nga lumolupyo aron sugpo-on kining mga dautang CPP-NPA terrorist.” (I would like to recognize our soldiers for the successful response in providing security to the residents of the area. I am also grateful for the continuous cooperation of our local residents that help suppress the evil deeds of CPP-NPA terrorists).
The cooperation and partnership between the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the local populace and different agencies displayed the perfect institutionalization of Executive Order No. 70 National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) or the “Whole-of-Nation” approach which significantly facilitate the total decline of NPA and allow the former rebels to enjoy freedom and took advantage of the services of the government.
####
