TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur -- A member of the communist terrorist group (CTG) was killed in the encounter against the soldiers of 36IB, Philippine Army on September 11, in the vicinity of Sitio Lumbayagan, Brgy. Maticdum, Tandag City.

According to Capt. Reyzander Ga, 36IB Civil-Military Operation chief, the troops encountered more or less 20 members of the CTG believed to be the squad coming from Platoon 1, Weakened Guerilla Front 30 (WGF30), Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Westland, Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), led by Joel Maca Mahinay, alias Nicko, on September 11, and the firefight lasted for about 10 minutes.

The troops of 36IB captured one (1) 5.56mm M16A1 Bushmaster Rifle, in the encounter site, and the lifeless body of a CTG, Captain Ga added.

Meanwhile, 36th Infantry “Valor” Battalion (36IB) Commanding Officer Lt Col Vincent M Viray, expressed his condolences to the family and friends of the said deceased member of the CTG. He does not wish for further loss of life among the CTG members, as much as possible.

Col. Viray immediately instructed the ground commander to retrieve the body, with respect and dignity. Once the authorities have identified the cadaver, the remains will be turned over to the family.

However, Col. Viray strongly believed that it is necessary to continue carrying out combat operations to pressure  the remaining CTG members to surrender.

Meanwhile, the 36IB of the Philippine Army, in coordination with local government units  and partner agencies, would provide support and assistance under the government reintegration program or the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) to those who will surrender, Col. Viray noted.  (Photo credit to: 36IB/NGPB, PIA-Surigao del Sur)