CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – The troops of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division of the Philippine Army intensified its focused military operations and dealt significant blow against the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs), with the combined troops of 4ID neutralized two CNTs and seized two high-powered firearms in an encounter at Sitio Vertudazo, Barangay San Juan, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur on March 27, 2023.
Joint elements of the 3rd Special Forces Battalion (3SFBn) under the operational control of the 401st Infantry Brigade headed by Brigadier General (BGen.)Rommel Almaria, and the 65th Infantry Battalion and 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion (2SRBn) under the operational control of the 901st Infantry Brigade headed by BGen. George Banzon encountered more or less 18 CNTs after it launched the joint operations in response to the persistent reports of the local residents that armed elements were present in the area.
BGen. Almaria disclosed that a 15-minute firefight resulted in the death of two still unidentified CNTs and the capture of various war materiels such as one (1) M4 carbine rifle, one (1) modified carbine rifle, numerous ammunitions and magazines as well as personal belongings at the encounter site. The said troops are still conducting pursuit operations.
He attributed the said accomplishment to the sustained convergence of the members of Task Force – Ending Local Communists Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC) that resulted to developmental peace and projects for the people in the area.
"Our partnership with line agencies under the auspices of Task Force ELCAC is the centerpiece of our campaign to defeat the CTG. We earn the trust and support of the people when we provide them a conducive place to live that is economically developed and free from the threat and influence of the CTG," BGen. Almaria said.
Meanwhile, BGen. Banzon lauded the combined efforts of his troops, particularly the 65IB and 2SRBn, and 401st Brigade's 3SFBn. He said that joint operations between and among units will effectively block traditional routes of the CTG and cut off their resources and supply generation.
“We intend to finish this fight. While we have achieved so much in our campaign and declared 2022 as 4ID’s banner year, we shall continue to capitalize on our gains and step up some more to finally defeat the CTG to its smallest formations. Hence, we will continue to reach out not only to our partner agencies but also to the remaining CTG members to peacefully lay down their arms so that we could avoid the use of violence and instead save lives in our path towards achieving peace,” Banzon added. (Maj. Francisco Garello, Jr., DPAO, 4ID, PA/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
