NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – A notorious leader of the Communist Terrorist Group’s (CTG) North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) died as Joint Task Force (JTF) Diamond troops, under the guidance of LtGen. Greg T. Almerol, Commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), clashed with CTG members at Brgy. Libertad, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental on July 26.
Former rebels identified the fatality as Dionesio Micabalo, alias Muling, Regional Secretary of the NCMRC, and a Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Central Committee Member.
In a report from the JTF Diamond’s 402nd Infantry Brigade, the troops of the 58th Infantry Battalion engaged in a skirmish against the members of Sub-Regional Sentro De Gravidad MTJ Eagles, Sub-Regional Committee 1, of NCMRC following a report from concerned citizens regarding the presence of armed men conducting illegal activities in the area.
Also captured at the encounter site were an AK47 Rifle with two loaded magazines, a Caliber .22 rifle, six backpacks with personal belongings, terrorist documents, electronic devices, and other supplies.
LtGen. Almerol said that Micabalo’s group was responsible for numerous atrocities and criminal activities in most parts of Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, and parts of Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur. He also had various criminal records, including double murder with frustrated murder, multiple frustrated murder and arson, murder, and violation of RA 9851.
Meanwhile, the EastMinCom Commander lauded the cooperation of civilians and the tireless dedication of JTF Diamond troops that led to the death of Micabalo. He also offered his condolences to the family of the slain CTG leader.
“Muling has been on the run since the dismantling of all seven guerrilla fronts under NCMRC in 2020. With his demise, the incoming dismantling of the NCMRC is already in sight. This is part of our goal to defeat the CTG in Eastern Mindanao this year. Without him leading the way for the survival of his subordinates, their only solution is to surrender or face the same fate,” he said.
“This is a crucial moment for their remaining members to yield, especially since our President has recently issued a pronouncement to grant amnesty to former rebels,” LtGen. Almerol emphasized.
Micabalo’s cadaver was already brought to a funeral parlor in Gingoog City for proper disposition.
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