SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Feb. 27 -- The army troops and communist terrorist group (CTG) clash anew in Sitio Barubangkaw, Barangay Taganito, Claver, Surigao del Norte, Thursday morning, February 25.
Based on the report, the encounter ensued between operating troops of 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB) and members of SYPC2, GF16 under a certain “Jelong” when the soldiers responded to the reports about the presence of the said armed group in the area.
The said firefight lasted for about 10 minutes and resulted in the seizure of one M14 rifle, assorted magazines, ammunitions, personal belongings, hammocks, and assorted medicines.
There was no casualty recorded on both sides while the pursuit operation is still ongoing.
According to Lt. Col. Charles Ryan G. Callanta, commanding officer of the 30IB, they immediately launched the operation when they received the information regarding the whereabouts of the CTG.
“We are determined to go after the CTG because we want to ensure the safety and security of the locals specifically the indigenous peoples. The initial information revealed that the CTG was monitored for their foraging activity targeting the IP communities within the area," Lt. Col. Callanta said.
Meanwhile, BGen. George L. Banzon, commander of the 901st Infantry (Fight’Em) Brigade, expressed his gratitude to the residents who gave their full trust and untiring support to the soldiers by giving timely information that led to the successful operation.
“As we always say, the information coming from the localities are very vital. The outcome in the recent incident clearly manifests that we can promptly act on the arising situation if the community willingly cooperates. Our main objective is to prevent this armed group from entering the community and disrupting their lives,” he said.
BGen. Banzon denounced the CTG for pestering the IP communities. He said that such was a clear violation and great disrespect on the rights and culture of the indigenous people.
He, however, gave the assurance that the operating troops will continue to be relentless in conducting security operations so that the communities will be safeguarded from the threat of the CTG who capitalizes violence to pursue their agenda. (Cpt. Joash Pramis, 901st Infantry Brigade/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)
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