CABADBARAN CITY, Agusan del Norte -- Following a tip-off from the residents of Sitio Tagbuaya, Bangonay, Jabonga, Agusan del Norte, the troops of the 29th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army encountered eight members of communist-terrorist group (CTG) which resulted in the seizure of bomb making materials on the evening of May 2.
29IB Commanding Officer Col Jason M. Saldua said that a focused military operation was immediately launched upon receiving information from the residents on the location of the CTG members.
Items seized after the five-minute firefight were 4kg ammonium nitrate; a 100-meter solid hawk-up wire; two dynamo; a 6-meter Flat cord wire #18; five magnets; 36 Eveready batteries (1.5 volts), and assorted food supplies.
Col. Saldua added that the said materials are components in making improvised explosive devices (IED), which is proof of the blatant disregard of CTG members of the provisions of the International Humanitarian Law which strictly prohibits the use of landmines or IEDs, including its components/materials.
"We would like to extend our gratitude to the peace-loving communities for their strong support in our campaign to end the local insurgency in this province. With their active support and participation, the total collapse of the CTG is already imminent. The CTG has been disturbing the local populace who wished to live peacefully. Hence, we encourage everyone to support the government in order to attain an inclusive peace and development in the area," Col. Saldua said.
Col. Saldua also reiterated his call to the remaining members of the CTG to surrender and stop wasting their lives for the ideology that could destroy them one day.
"You still have time to heed our call to surrender, return to the folds of the law, and go back into mainstream society. Avail the benefits of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). Take the chance to live a peaceful, normal life with your family and loved ones," he added. (2Lt. Rose Ann Mae U. Cordova (QMS) PA, 29IB CMO Officer/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
