The CTG detonated a landmine during an encounter at Sitio Pinamugaan, Brgy. Bangonay, Jabonga, Agusan del Norte on January 10.
A 29th Infantry Battalion personnel was wounded due to the shrapnels during the incident.
The clash transpired after troops responded to an information from concerned civilians regarding the extortion and foraging activities of 10 NPAs who are reportedly members of the Sentro De Grabidad 16, Guerilla Front 16, Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (SDG16, GF16, NEMRC).
The armed group targeted the small-scale miners in the hinter areas of Brgy Bangonay, Santiago. The government forces recovered various ammunition and subversive documents left behind by the fleeing communist terrorists after the 5-minute firefight.
The wounded soldier is now in stable condition after he was given first aid and immediately brought to the nearest hospital. Pursuit operations are also ongoing against the fleeing perpetrators.
29th IB Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Cresencio C. Gargar denounced the atrocity committed by the CTG that violated the IHL and Republic Act 9851 or the “Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity.”
Gargar assured that their focused military operations will not stop despite the communist terrorists' attacks.
He said it is their mandate to protect the people and secure the nation against the threat.
“We will optimize our military operations in that area to neutralize the remaining NPAs that brought fear and terror in the communities,” Gargar said.
Photos from 29th IB