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) which resulted to the seizure of bomb making materials on the evening of May 02, 2022.
29IB Commanding Officer Col Jason M Saldua said that a focused military operation was immediately launched upon receiving information from the residents on the location of the CTG members.
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.
Col Saldua added that the said materials are components in making improvised explosive device (IED) of which the continuous use of the CTG has blatantly disregard the provisions of the International Humanitarian Law which strictly prohibits the use of landmines or IEDs, including its components/materials.
“We would like to extend our gratitude to the 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. The CTG has been disturbing the local populace who wished to live peacefully. Hence, we encourage everyone to support the government in order to attain an inclusive peace and development in the area, “ Col Saldua said.
Further, Col Saldua also reiterated his call to the remaining members of the CTG to surrender and stop wasting their lives for the ideology that could destroy them one day.
“I reiterate my call to all CTG members who are still in the hinterlands. You still have time to heed our call 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.
###
