Major Francisco Garello, Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division spokesman in a report said that members of the 36th Infantry Battalion of the 901st Infantry Brigade clashed with eight communist NPA terrorist (CNTs) belonging to the composite squad of Platoon 1, Guerilla Front 30 (GF30) and Sandatahang Yunit Pamproganda 16C (SPY16C), both under the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) on July 8 at around 10:00 p.m in Sitio Libas, Brgy. Sibahay, Lanuza, Surigao del Sur.
He said the clash resulted in the death of a male CNT identified as Risam Gonzales Gam alias Kim/Miguel and a resident of Brgy. SInay, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur.
Troops also captured an M653 Assault Rifle at the encounter site.
On July 7, troops of the 43rd Division Reconnaissance Company (43DRC) of the 403rd Infantry Brigade have successfully tracked down fleeing elements believed to be members of the Regional Sentro De Gravidad (RSDG) Compaq of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCRMC) after two separate encounters in the hinterlands of Barangay Bontongon, Impasugong, Bukidnon.
The firefights that lasted for about 30 minutes each resulted in the death of an unidentified male CNT and the capture of M4A1 5.56mm Carbine Rifle and an M14 7.62mm Rifle, including various war materiel and personal belongings.
Meanwhile, another two NPA rebels also surrendered through the joint efforts of the 3rd Special Forces Battalion and 75th Infantry Battalion under the OPCON of the 401st Infantry Brigade at Barangay San Isidro, Surigao del Sur.
Garello identified the surrenderers as alias KR and alias Jong-jong. They
revealed that they abandoned the CTG due to demoralization within their ranks brought about by the relentless military operations and isolation from communities due to lack of support from the civilian populace.
Two .50 Caliber Sniper Rifles, four AK47 Rifles, and numerous ammunition and magazines have been recovered in an arms cache.
4th ID Commander Major General Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II gave emphasis on the troop's determination to pursue the CTG remnants and the support of the active civilian communities as the key factor and the game changer in the campaign against the CTG.
The CTG has further weakened its criminal capabilities and is in a state of disillusionment, Cuerpo said.
Cuerpo vows to continue the fight under the government's whole of nation approach.
Photos from 4th ID