COMBINED government forces dealt a significant blow to the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Northeastern Mindanao following a successful intelligence-driven operation in the hinterlands of Surigao del Sur on Wednesday, April 15.
Troops from the 75th Infantry Battalion and the 3rd Special Forces Battalion, operating under the 401st Infantry Brigade, engaged rebels in Sitio Bulacan, Barangay Bolhoon, San Miguel at around noon.
The operation, led by acting brigade commander Col Glenn Joy U. Aynera, targeted the remaining Regional Operations Command (ROC) of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) members, reportedly headed by Edilberto Reponte Daval, alias Ka Bong or Wako.
A brief but intense firefight forced the rebels to retreat, abandoning the body of a comrade identified as alias Ka Keroy.
In addition to the casualties, government troops seized five high-powered firearms and various pieces of military equipment at the scene.
Military officials confirmed that the mission was initiated after local residents, weary of the CTG’s reported extortion and demands for food supplies, provided a tip-off regarding the group’s location.
Aynera visited the encounter site following the clash, accompanied by the Commanding Officers of the 75IB and 3SFBn, to boost the morale of the frontline personnel.
“Your efforts and sacrifices made this success possible,” Aynera told the troops. “This achievement is aligned with the command’s objective to dismantle the NEMRC. We must continue to give our best to ensure the region is declared peaceful and ready for further development.”
