Top ranking CTG leader killed; 2 high-powered firearms recovered in AgNor clash
CABADBARAN CITY, Agusan del Norte -- Two communist-terrorist group (CTG) members were killed and two high-powered firearms were recovered in a 10-minute armed encounter with the troops of the 29th Infantry Battalion in the vicinity of Brgy. Jaliobong, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte on the evening of April 17.
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The unit received several reports from concerned and displeased local residents regarding the presence of the CTGs in the barangay who were periodically extorting money from them and demanding all kinds of supplies. The residents can no longer withstand the harassment inflicted by the CTGs.
The troops conducted combat operations that resulted in the 10-minute encounter with more or less 15 CTG members. The troops pursued the CTGs as they hastily scampered towards the northern direction, leaving behind their two dead comrades, identified as Samuel Batican, a top-ranking CTG leader, and a certain @Yawming, along with the recovery of one Colt AR15 rifle, one Winchester M14 rifle, two cellular phones, food and other supplies.
The said armed group is the main provider of food and other supplies to the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) and its cadres.
"We are grateful to the residents for tipping off the locations of the terrorists and the activities that they are doing in the area. In that way, we are able to immediately respond to the reports of the civilians," said Col. Jason M. Saldua, battalion commander of 29IB.
"May this serve as a stern warning to the remaining members of the CTG that there is no safe place for you to hide. People nowadays are more aware of their deceitful tactics. The people who are providing information is a clear manifestation that the populace are very supportive in the government's peace efforts. The only remaining option for them now is to return to the fold of the law and live a peaceful normal life," he added.
"Rest assured that as we follow the EO 70 or the whole-nation approach & instruction to end the local armed-conflict of the president. Together, we can end this long terrorist and extortionist activities of CTGs in Agusan del Norte."
Immediately after the encounter, the recovered bodies have been turned over to the local authorities for proper disposition. (2Lt. Rose Ann Mae U. Cordova, 29IB, PA/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
