CAMP SIONGCO, Awang, DOS, Maguindanao del Norte – Three members of a terrorist group were killed after fighting with brave government troops from the 7th Infantry (Tapat) Battalion in Sitio Isuko, Banali, Senator Ninoy Aquino in the province of Sultan Kudarat .
According to Lieutenant Colonel Frederick Chicote, Commanding Officer of 7IB, his men immediately responded regarding the presence of the armed group in the said area. “Eusevio Cranzo Tabunaway alias Ben or Brix, a member of Regional Tax Implementing Group (RTIG) of the weakened terrorist group was conducting foraging activities there,” said Lt. Col. Chicote.
The operating troops of 7IB quickly headed to the area at noon on the second of March, current year. The soldiers engaged the group of terrorist groups and the battle lasted for ten minutes.
Three members of the terrorist group were seen blinded after the said encounter. The military troops seized three M16 rifles, one M653 rifle, 13 long magazines, 330 rounds of 5.56mm ammo, two grenades, five bandoliers, four backpacks, and subversive documents. In addition to this are personal belongings, food, IDs, and so on.
In this regard, Brigadier General Michael Santos, Commander of the 603rd Brigade, immediately instructed all its units to be alert and hunt down some remaining rebel groups.
Major General Alex S. Rillera, Commander of the 6th Infantry (Army) Division and Joint Task Force Central, praised the bravery of the soldiers of the 7IB in their determination to protect the citizens against communist terrorists.
“For a couple of times, we have been calling the remnants of this terrorist group to lay down their arms and go back to the folds of the law to avoid circumstances like this, but some are not heeding it.” “We will continue to work tirelessly to eliminate this threat and restore peace and stability in the entire Sultan Kudarat Province,” said Maj. Gen. Rillera.
This is the ninth incident of the death of communist rebels from the month of January until now. It can be remembered that on February 26th, one rebel was also killed who was captured with two M14 rifles and one M16 rifle after an encounter with the troops of 37IB in Sitio Lantong, Barangay Sangay, Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat. In such encounters no military troops were injured. It truly reflects the government’s determination to end the chaos and promote peace in the country.
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