TROOPS under the 603rd Infantry Brigade engaged communist rebels in twin armed encounters in Barangay Tudok on Sept. 14, 2026, in direct response to concerned residents reporting forced recruitment efforts.
Units from the 105th Infantry Battalion intercepted elements of the Regional Operational Command (ROC), Far South Mindanao Region (FSMR) of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG).
Despite concurrent duties securing the ongoing BARMM Parliamentary Elections, military forces swiftly acted on the tip.
At around 8:20 a.m., troops engaged roughly 10 armed CTG members led by Barney Arnaez, alias Macmac, in Sitio Datal Lebe.
The 10-minute firefight forced the rebels to retreat, leaving behind a homemade M79 grenade launcher, a Caliber .38 revolver, medical supplies, and communication equipment.
While pursuing the withdrawing faction, government forces made contact with a second group of approximately eight CTG members at around 4:10 p.m. in nearby Sitio Datal Bong. A sporadic 20-minute firefight ensued before the rebels fled toward the northern sector.
Clearing operations at the second encounter site yielded a heavy cache of war material, including an M16 rifle, an anti-personnel mine, a hand grenade, magazines, bandoliers, commercial radios, cellular phones, medical kits, and subversive documents.
No casualties or injuries were reported among government forces, while the status of the fleeing rebels remains under verification as pursuit operations persist.
COL Glenn Loreto T. Caballero, acting commander of the 603rd Brigade, praised the 105th Infantry Battalion under LTCOL Erikzen C. Dacoco for their rapid response to civilian safety.
“We invite those who remain with the CTG to lay down your arms and return to your families,” Colonel Caballero said, urging wounded or hiding rebels to utilize the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
The military emphasized that regional security and community defense remain paramount alongside ongoing electoral peacekeeping commitments across their area of responsibility.
Meanwhile, government forces are maintaining relentless pursuit operations following a third consecutive clash with armed members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the hinterlands of T’boli, South Cotabato, early Tuesday morning, Sept. 15, 2026.
According to military reports, troops from the 105th Infantry “Saifullah” Battalion engaged the communist group again at around 5:45 a.m. in Sitio Datalbong, Barangay Tudok.
This latest firefight marks the third successive encounter as government units press their advantage following back-to-back clashes in the area the previous day.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious movements or the presence of armed individuals to nearby military units, barangay officials, or local law enforcement.
“The safety of our citizens is our primary priority. The cooperation of every resident is vital to prevent any incidents that may endanger the lives and livelihoods of the community,” military officials stated.
In the wake of the ongoing operations, the government renewed its urgent appeal to the remaining members of the armed group—particularly those who may have sustained injuries—to abandon the armed struggle and embrace the path of peace.
Surrendering rebels are encouraged to take advantage of government reintegration programs designed to help them reunite with their families and rebuild their lives.
“It is never too late to start anew,” authorities emphasized, rallying individuals to choose peace, value life, and fight for a secure future.
