CAMP SIONGCO, Awang, DOS, Maguindanao – Elements of the 5th Special Forces Battalion clashed with communist terrorists in Sitio Uhay, Brgy Ned, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato yesterday morning.
According to Lt. Col. Zandro Alvez, the Commanding Officer of the 5th Special Forces Battalion, past 5:00 in the morning while its personnel were conducting a combat operation when they encountered 20 members of the communist terrorist group.
“Our troops encountered members of the Far South Mindanao Region led by Manuel Fernandez alias Bobo/Ampog. Alyas Bobo/Ampog is the secretary of FSMR and our troops continue to pursue his group”, said Lt. Col. Alvez.
After 20 minutes of fighting, the enemy retreated and the soldiers seized the gun and besieged the place they were infested with, made of wood.
“During the clearing operations carried out by our personnel, we found a 5.56mm M16A1 rifle, magazines, ammunition, propaganda materials, kitchen utensils, war materials and their personal belongings”, added Lt. Col. Alvez.
According to Brigadier General Pedro Balisi Jr, Commander of the 1st Mechanized Infantry (Reliable) Brigade, the soldiers will intensify their pursuit of the CTGs who escaped. “We will not hesitate to pulverize and destroy the FSMR regional command to stop their evil plans”, BGen insisted. Anxious
In this regard, Major General Roy Galido, Commander of the 6th Infantry (Army) Division and Joint Task Force Central is once again calling on the communist groups to abandon the armed struggle and accept the peace offered by the government. “I am calling on our brothers who have lost their way to return to the government, let’s unite for a more peaceful Mindanao and a prosperous Philippines”, said MGen. Galido.
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