By Bonita Ermac
Troops under Joint Task Force ZAMPELAN encountered the group of CPP-NPA-Terrorists while conducting combat operation at Brgy Hoyohoy, Tangub City, Misamis Occidental, Saturday.
Lieutenant Colonel Ryan N Severo, Commanding Officer of the 10th Infantry Battalion said that the operating troops have been responding to the reported presence of the CNTs sowing terror to the civilian community in the said barangay. The combat operations conducted resulted to the armed confrontation with the said terrorist group.
The firefight which lasted for about 40 minutes compelled the enemy to scamper from the area and withdrew heading towards the northeast direction, said Severo.
After the 40 minutes firefight, the troops recovered one AK47 rifle with four empty magazines, two half sacks rice, dried fish, and two back pack. Meanwhile, one soldier sustained minor injury in the firefight.
On May 18 nearly three months ago, troops under 1st Division Reconnaisance Company led by 2lt Jose Mari Temeña, encountered another group of CNTs while conducting combat operation in the municipality of Aloran, Misamis Occidental. The said firefight which lasted for about 25 minutes resulted to slight injuries of the two soldiers while undetermined on the enemy side.
Major General Roseller G Murillo, 1st Infantry Division Commander and concurrent Commander of JTF ZAMPELAN said the armed confrontation between the Army troops and the CNTs in Misamis Occidental manifests the ever widening support of the civilian community in totally wiping out the presence of the terrorist group in the Province.
"The people wanted peace especially now that the local government is actively engaging with the different stakeholders for a localized peace talk as members of the NPA terrorist in the Province are continuously surrendering, Murillo said.
Lets give peace a chance! We are calling the remaining members of the CNTs to also peacefully surrender and avail the programs of the government for the rebel returnees who wants to go back to the folds of the law and live peacefully with their families, he added.
Government troops are still on clearing and pursuit operations as of presstime.