BUTUAN CITY – Government security forces arrested four supporters of communist terrorist groups and seized from them war materials following a gunbattle in the hinterlands of Sitio Kilap-agan, Barangay Can-ayan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, the military reported on Wednesday, March 9.
The identities of the captured supporters of the Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) are temporarily withheld pending a thorough investigation.
The suspects are currently detained at the Malaybalay City Police Station.
Ttroops from the Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion (8th IB) also recovered anti-personnel mines which are prohibited under the Mine Ban Convention, Chief of the Public Affairs Office of the Army’s 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division Maj. Francisco P. Garello, Jr. also told the Manila Bulletin on Wednesday.
The operating troops seized one M16 Armalite rifle, one magazine, one ASUS laptop, live ammunitions and other assorted live bullets, personal belongings and subversive documents among other war paraphernalia.
Based on the report, concerned citizens informed the soldiers of sightings of the CNTs roaming around the village asking for food and extorting money, prompting them to respond resulting in an encounter that lasted for about 30 minutes on Thursday.
“Both sides reported no casualties. However, bloodstains were found at the enemy withdrawal route as our operating troops are still conducting hot pursuit operations against the fleeing CNTs,” Maj. Garello added.
In a statement, Lt. Col. Anthony A. Bacus, commanding officer of the 8th IB, thanked the residents and the local officials for trusting the government soldiers by reporting sightings of the terrorists who have sown fear in the hearts of the citizens. “We are thankful to the concerned citizens and local officials because, through their reports, we were able to prevent the atrocities and potential harm the CNTs might inflict on our people,” he said.
“We will continue conducting our operations in our bid to attain lasting peace and sustainable development here in our area of responsibility, which is why we urge the remaining CNTs to surrender and avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) for a peaceful life,” he added.
He appealed to those who are still helping CNTs by serving as their couriers, advance post, and search elements among other activities, to stop supporting the CNTs. “Do not allow yourselves to be used and fooled by this terrorist group which has brought nothing but a senseless war and killings that are continuously disrupting the efforts of the people and government to bring genuine peace and development in the province of Bukidnon,” he added.
Brig. Gen. Ferdinand T. Barandaon, commanding general the Army’s 403rd Infantry (Peacemaker) Brigade, called on the remaining members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front to surrender to the government and start a new life. “My brothers and sisters who are still in the armed struggle against the government, you will continue to suffer hardship and hunger while you remain in the wrong ideology of armed struggle, that is why the government agencies are doing their best to stop the insurgency,” he said.
“Do not miss the opportunity while you have the chance to change and surrender. Do not hesitate to approach our government so that you will get aid as soon as possible,” the 403rd Brigade commander added.