Rebel killed in a clash in Tandag City
By: Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur -- A member of the communist terrorist group (CTG)
was killed in the encounter against the soldiers of 36IB, Philippine Army on
September 11, in the vicinity of Sitio Lumbayagan, Brgy. Maticdum, Tandag City.
According to Capt. Reyzander Ga, 36IB Civil-Military Operation chief, the
troops encountered more or less 20 members of the CTG believed to be the squad
coming from Platoon 1, Weakened Guerilla Front 30 (WGF30), Sub-Regional
Committee (SRC) Westland, Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), led
by Joel Maca Mahinay, alias Nicko, on September 11, and the firefight lasted
for about 10 minutes.
The troops of 36IB captured one (1) 5.56mm M16A1 Bushmaster Rifle, in the
encounter site, and the lifeless body of a CTG, Captain Ga added.
Meanwhile, 36th Infantry “Valor” Battalion (36IB) Commanding Officer Lt Col
Vincent M Viray, expressed his condolences to the family and friends of the
said deceased member of the CTG. He does not wish for further loss of life
among the CTG members, as much as possible.
Col. Viray immediately instructed the ground commander to retrieve the body,
with respect and dignity. Once the authorities have identified the cadaver, the
remains will be turned over to the family.
However, Col. Viray strongly believed that it is necessary to continue carrying
out combat operations to pressure the remaining CTG members to surrender.
Meanwhile, the 36IB of the Philippine Army, in coordination with local
government units and partner agencies, would provide support and
assistance under the government reintegration program or the Enhanced
Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) to those who will surrender,
Col. Viray noted. (Photo credit to: 36IB/NGPB, PIA-Surigao del Sur)
