DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, Aug. 23 (PIA) -- The Philippine Army’s 11th Infantry Battalion based in Siaton town has apprehended four suspected CPP-NPA terrorists (CNTs) with high-powered firearms on Aug. 18 in Brgy. Talalak, Sta. Catalina.

The troops, together with the police force, conducted a strike operation in response to information given by the community on the presence of armed CNTs in the area.

Acting Commanding Officer of the 11thIB Lt. Col. Roderick Salayo identified the apprehended communist-terrorists as Roel Casilao alias Garry, commanding officer of Lokal Guerilla Unit (LGU), South Eastern Front (SEF) along with other members Allan Ybañez alias Ban, Joselie Lasas alias Tete, and Jestoni Lasas alias Tata.

The troops confiscated from the possession of the CNTs two M14 rifles, one M16 rifle, one shotgun, three magazines of M14, assorted ammunitions of M16 and shotgun, two  handcuffs, six disposable syringes, assorted flash drives, map of Negros Oriental, assorted medicines, and subversive documents. 

It was reported that the two Lasas have an existing warrant of arrest for a murder case with criminal case no. 2954.  

“The apprehension of these CPP-NPA terrorists will not be the last. There will be more surrenders and apprehensions in the coming days as we intensify our combat operations against the CNTs in our area. We will be relentless in pursuing the communist-terrorists not only to capture but also to force them to surrender,” Salayo said.

For his part, Brig. Gen. Leonardo Peña of the 302nd Infantry Brigade lauded the 11IB for apprehending the said CNTs. 

Peña also attributed the successful operation to the vigilance and cooperation of the civilian populace by giving accurate information to the troops. 

“A CPP-NPA terrorist-free Negros is achievable with you (Negrenses) on our side. Let us continue our effective collaborative efforts to allow peace and progress to prosper in this island,” said Peña.  (JCT/PIA7 Negros Oriental with reports from 1Lt. Rogem Pearl Lanuza, CMO, PA)