SAN LUIS, Agusan del Sur -- The 26th Infantry Battalion (26IB), under the operational control of 403rd Infantry Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, retrieved three assorted high-powered and low-powered firearms with ammunitions during an encounter while conducting focused military operations at the hinterlands of Sitio Damming, Barangay Zillovia, Talacogon, this province on January 12, 2022.
The encounter, which transpired at around 6 o'clock in the morning and lasted for seven minutes, resulted in the retrieval of two high-powered and one low-powered firearms which consisted of one Caliber .30 (Garrand) rifle; one Caliber .30 Carbine rifle; and one Caliber .22 rifle. Various war paraphernalia were also retrieved such as three cellular phones, subversive documents, and other belongings.
The presence of the armed group whose members belong to the HQS LOADER, SRC2 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee, was compromised by a concerned citizen confirming their location. Intensified military operations were then launched to suppress their planned atrocities in the area.
Lt. Col. Reynald Romel A. Goce, commanding officer of 26IB, extended his gratitude to the concerned residents of Brgy. Zillovia.
"Indeed, the terrorists were desperate to conduct terrorist attacks to harass the community despite the pandemic. Thank you to the residents of Brgy. Zillovia. Through your active support and cooperation with us, we were able to immediately disrupt their planned atrocities. We will not allow these lawless elements to extort all what you have," he said.
"With the capture of these firearms, we believe that the NPA in our area of operations was demoralized. We will continue to pursue them aggressively under the rule of law until they abandon this futile armed struggle. Once again, we are encouraging the remaining NPA to peacefully lay down your arms, surrender and start a more peaceful and meaningful life with your family or you have to prepare to face the consequences," added Goce (2Lt Kayce M Abuan, 26IB,PA/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
