CAMP SIONGCO, Awang, DOS, Maguindanao del Norte – The small number of remaining communist terrorists continues to decrease after a high-ranking communist terrorist leader was killed in another battle in Sitio Kalogkog, Badiangon, Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat, past 10:00 last night (August 13, 2023).
Recognized by Lt. Col. John Paul Baldomar, leader of the 37th Infantry (Conqueror) Battalion, the deceased was Joseph Longan alias Michael, commanding officer of the Beijing Platoon and among the high value targets members of the communist terrorist group.
“Due to the incident of CTGs recruiting high school students in our area, we have intensified the operation against these communist terrorists. Our troops encountered an unspecified number of CTG where this Longan, who is among the remaining leaders of the Far South Mindanao Region, was killed”, said Lt. Col. Baldomar.
According to Brigadier General Michael Santos, Commander of the 603rd Brigade, a grenade, their food and personal belongings were also recovered from Longan’s custody. “These CTG members have nowhere to go in our area because we continue to conduct military operations against them. If you remember, on July 27 this year, our troops also killed Rowie Libot alias Wifi in an encounter in Limulan, Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat.”
Major General Alex S. Rillera, Commander of the 6ID and Joint Task Force Central praised the 37IB and operating units for the successful military operation. At the same time, Maj. Gen. Rillera to the remaining members of the terrorist communists to return to the government. “We will give you a chance to change your life with your beloved families, your government is here to help you because no one wins by using force. We know that you were just a victim of the treacherous senior members of the terrorist group who brought your colleague to such a terrible misfortune. We are ready to listen to your grievances”, said Maj. Gen. Rillera.
As a result, the number of communist terrorists neutralized by the Joint Task Force Central since the first month of the current year has risen to 42. Of the said number, 7 were arrested, 12 were killed while 23 surrendered to the government.
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