CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental (PIA)--A female member of the Communist Terrorist Group-New People’s Army (CTG-NPA) was killed and two high-powered firearms were seized after an encounter between the troops of the 58th Infantry "Dimalulupig" Battalion (58IB) and CTG-NPA at Barangay Minalwang, Claveria,  June 16, 2023.

The sporadic firefight between the government forces and an estimated number of 15 Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) believed to be members of SRSDG MTJ Eagles, SRC1, and NCMRC lasted for about 20 minutes and resulted in the unfortunate demise of one CNT and the capture of one M16 rifle, bandolier, and a magazine loaded with 20 rounds of M16 balls; one M14 rifle, bandolier, and a M14 magazine with 15 rounds of M14 balls; two backpacks, ponchos, jungle hammock, cooking pot; one defective Cignus radio; and medical paraphernalia.

All available military assets have been placed on high-status alert in support of the ongoing pursuit operation against the fleeing terrorists.

The troops of 58IB immediately coordinated with the Claveria Municipal Police Station (MPS) and Claveria Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) for the retrieval and identification of the cadaver.

The timely and accurate information the locals provided about the presence of armed groups in the area led to the engagement.

"I am appealing to the remaining members of the CTGs to abandon the armed struggle before another demise will happen. We will assist you in your reintegration into the community and become productive members of society. However, if you continue espousing terrorism, we are determined to hunt you down until we achieve peace in our area of responsibility," 58IB Christian Uy said. (5IB/PIA-10/Misamis Oriental)