CABADBARAN CITY, Agusan del Norte— A wanted high-ranking Communist Terrorists Group (CTG) leader was arrested for multiple charges by the combined elements of the 29th Infantry “Matatag” Battalion together with the 65th Infantry “Stalwart” Battalion in participation with Regional Intelligence Division 13 and Butuan City Police (Station 4) on the afternoon of July 21, 2022, at Purok 5, Sitio Manggabao, Brgy. Baobaoan, Butuan City.
Commanding Officer of 29IB, Col. Jason M. Saldua, said that the law enforcement operation served the warrant for multiple attempted murder dated June 17, 2020, issued by the 10th Judicial Region, Br 34, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte against the notorious John Bryan Tocmo Siscon, alias NASH/NATOY, a high-ranking leader of Sentro de Grabidad 16 (SDG16), Guerilla Front 16 (GF16), North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).
During the serving of the said warrant of arrest, the suspect attempted to flee from the government troops. The subject was caught while running towards the house where he sought refuge. Recovered from the subject is a blue backpack containing several war materials. Among the recovered items were one (1) Ctg. 40mm: HE; two (2) pieces of Emulsion Dynamite, HE; and eight (8) meters of detonating cord.
Further, immediately after the arrest, Siscon was subjected to a medical check-up and was duly informed of his constitutional rights. Siscon is now under the custody of RID13 while the confiscated explosives were turned over to the City Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine Unit (CECU), Butuan City for proper disposition.
Col. Saldua also lauded the operating troops for the successful operation of the apprehension of the said high-ranking CTG leader. “The arrested personality has been the subject of operation for months to stop his terroristic activities, particularly in the province of Agusan del Norte.” This accomplishment is a result of the intensified intelligence gathering and monitoring to apprehend target personalities. “The arrest of Siscon will be a great loss to the CTGs,” said Col. Saldua.
Likewise, he also reiterated the call to the remaining CTGs. “There is still time for the remaining CTG leaders and cadres to lay down their arms and avoid being arrested or killed as the Army will be relentless in tracking and hunting them down.” “This is a warning for all the terrorists out there because if you break the law, you will suffer in jail.” Heed our calls, avail yourself of the government’s reintegration program so that you can return safely to your families and start anew with better opportunities, “Col. Saldua added.
