CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – In a relentless effort to quell the decades-long insurgency within its area of responsibility (AOR), the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division has continuously embarked on a series of aggressive pursuit operations purposely aimed to hunt down the remaining CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNT) and finally put an end to NPA criminalities in Northern Mindanao and Caraga region.
The latest encounters these past few days between 4ID troops and the communist terrorist group (CTG) have yielded positive results. Highlighting these accomplishments are the neutralization of one (1) NPA’s high-ranking leader identified as Leo Salino Mindoro, alias Yolly/Yang, staff member of Sub Regional Sentro De Gravidad Northland, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), and another one (1) CNT, the capture of four (4) high-powered firearms, numerous war materiel, terrorist documents, and various personal belongings.
On February 21, 2024, a decisive strike operation conducted by the 16th Infantry Battalion under the Operational Control of the 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade led by its Commander, Brigadier General Adonis Ariel G Orio, led to a clash against the remnants of the Sub Regional Sentro De Gravidad (SRSDG) MTJ EAGLES, Sub-Regional Committee 1 (SRC1), North Central Mindanao Regional Command (NCMRC) at Sitio Alubijid, Brgy. Rosario, Balingasag, Misamis Oriental.
BGen Orio disclosed that the clash had resulted in the death of one (1) CNT combatant, and the capture of one (1) M16 Rifle, war materiel, and assorted personal belongings.
Meanwhile, a joint military operation of the troops of the 29th Infantry Battalion and 30th Infantry Battalion, both under the operational control of the 901st Infantry (Fight ‘Em) Brigade under the command of Brigadier General Arsenio DC Sadural, resulted in an encounter against the combined elements of SRSDG Northland and SRSDG Westland, both under NEMRC, at around 11 a.m. on February 23 at Brgy. Concepcion, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte.
After the firefight, operating troops scoured the area and discovered the lifeless body of Mindoro, who was left behind by his fleeing comrades. Additionally, the troops also captured one (1) AK47 rifle, two (2) magazines with ammunitions, assorted food supplies, and voluminous terrorist documents with high intelligence value.
In a recent development, the continuous military offensive of the 3rd Special Forces Battalion and 75th Infantry Battalion, under the operational control of the 401st Infantry (Unite N Fight) Brigade led by Brigadier General Francisco F Lorenzo Jr., Commander of 401Bde, resulted in an encounter with 15 CTG members at Barangay Magsaysay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, today, February 26, 2024. The 25-minute firefight resulted in the capture of one (1) M16 Rifle, one (1) AK Rifle, and personal belongings.
In a statement, 4ID Commander Major General Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II commended the troops for again successfully hitting the CTG and said that it had surely weakened the manpower and capabilities of the enemy. Further, he recognized the cooperation of the people that contributed to the success of the troops’ operations.
“These successful encounters underscore our troops’ unrelenting commitment and strong resolve to confront and address the challenges posed by NPA in Northern Mindanao and Caraga region. Rest assured that our troops will remain focused on their mandate of putting an end to the atrocities and criminal activities of NPA. We will continue to aggressively pursue them until their group succumbs to their total defeat,” the 4ID Commander said.
“As we acknowledge these successes, we also recognize the invaluable contributions of our people, especially those in the community who continuously support our troops in achieving this commendable milestone in the pursuit of long-lasting peace. Let us continue to remain vigilant and resolute so we can finally attain peace in our regions,” he added.
