SOLDIERS of the 36th Infantry Battalion killed two communist rebels and captured four high-powered firearms following a clash in the hinterlands of Lanuza, Surigao del Sur, the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) reported Monday.
The soldiers, operating under the 401st Infantry Brigade, tracked down remnants of the SRSDG Westland, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee, in Barangay Nurcia, leading to the encounter. When the smoke cleared, they found Ka Rex and Ka Bunso dead on the spot, abandoned by their comrades.
Military officers credited the operation’s success to timely intelligence provided by local residents.
Col. Glenn Joy U. Aynera, commander of the 401st Infantry Brigade, said, “This operation highlights the effectiveness of our focused military maneuvers and the invaluable support of the local communities. We will continue to intensify our efforts to dismantle the remaining CTG elements and ensure the security of our area of responsibility.”
For his part, Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr., commander of the 4ID, emphasized the Army’s commitment to ending the long-standing insurgency in the Caraga and Northern Mindanao regions.
Following the clash, troops remained on-site to clear the area and ensure the safety of nearby civilian communities. The captured firearms have been turned over for proper documentation and ballistic examination.
