TACLOBAN CITY (PIA) -- Major General Camilo Z. Ligayo, commander of the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, has extended his deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the slain high-ranking official of the communist terrorist group in Eastern Samar.
“It is tragic that they have taken arms against the Filipinos, it is sad that another Filipino who was deceived by the misleading ideology of the communist terrorist died. But, I encouraged the remaining members of the rebel group to surrender and be with their families while you still have a chance,” Ligayo said in a press statement.
Government soldiers identified the NPA leader of the Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Sesame, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC), as Martin Colima alias Moki who was killed during an encounter with the troops of the 78th Infantry ”Warrior” Batallion in the hinterlands of Brgy. San Gabriel, Borongan City, Eastern Samar on Saturday, January 6.
The 8ID reported that the troops encountered the CTGs while conducting combat operations. The rebels retreated and left the slain CTG leader.
The government soldier also seized one caliber .45 pistol, seven backpacks and subversive documents, said Capt. Jefferson N. Mariano, chief of the 8ID Division Public Affairs Office.
Alias Moki and his group were allegedly responsible for the death of six soldiers and wounding 20 others in an armed encounter in Brgy. Pinanag-an, Borongan City on November 11, 2019.
Mariano said alias Moki was also the alleged mastermind of an ambush incident which killed a police officer and three civilians that happened along the national highway in Brgy. Libuton, Borongan City, Eastern Samar on December 13, 2019.
Said incident also injured 12 civilians including a minor and a one-year-old baby.
The CTG leader was reportedly facing cases of murder, attempted murder, frustrated murder and robbery.
Even if the CTG has weakened, government troops are still determined to pursue them.
“We will relentlessly pursue them, for we are determined to put an end to their atrocities in the region. Despite this, we are still offering you peace to start a new life with your loveones,” Lieutenant Colonel Allan Tria, commanding officer of the 78th Infantry Batallion of the Philippine Army said. (CBA with reports from DPAO, 8th ID)
