BUTUAN CITY -- The leadership of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) conferred the Battle Streamer Award to the 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade and its Operational Control (OPCON) units on July 7, 2021, during its 2nd Command Conference CY 2021 held at GHQ, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City for dismantling New People’s Army (NPA) Guerilla Front 4A of North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) in Agusan del Norte - Misamis Oriental area.
The units involved in achieving this feat are the 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion, 4th Military Intelligence Battalion, 4th Scout Ranger Battalion, 42nd Division Reconnaissance Company, and Tactical Operations Group 10 of the Philippine Airforce.
It can be recalled that on May 10, 2020, along the boundary of Agusan del Norte and Misamis Oriental, more than 17 Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) members were killed in a series of armed confrontations against the troops of 402nd Bde, particularly the 23IB and the 4 SRBn with the members of the Guerilla Front 4A. With the continuous pursuit operation in the area, remnants of the said NPA unit decided to leave the armed group and return to the folds of the law which led to the dismantling of the said NPA unit.
In his statement, Brigadier General Maurito Licudine, Commander, 402nd Brigade, said that the dismantling of Guerilla Front 4A was made possible because of the concerted efforts of the units under its operational control.
“This remarkable achievement is a manifestation of commitment and dedication of my men in the ground in responding to their call of duty as peacemakers and protector of the people,” he added.
He also lauded the local government units of Agusan del Norte and Misamis Oriental thru the Task Force ELCAC and other stakeholders for doing their part and supporting the Philippine Army in combating the CTGs and heeding the call of the President for a Whole of Nation Approach in Ending the Local Communist Armed Conflict.
“Their bravery and courage in leading the fight in ending the communist armed conflict is a call beyond extraordinary duty. Let us continue our journey until such time that our people will have equal opportunities to experience the fruits of our labor and the blessing of democracy,” BGen Licudine said.
“Those NPA members who went back to the folds of law is ensured to receive all the benefits provided in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) and I urge those remaining NPA Combatants in the armed conflict to give peace a chance, give up your arms and I will ensure your safety and security until you are reintegrated back to your normal lives in the loving arms of your families," said BGen. Licudine. (Cpt Jonald D Romorosa, CMO Officer, 402nd Bde/PIA Agusan del Norte)
