Joint Task Force Central commander Major General Juvymax Uy, said troops of the 5th Special Forces Battalion conducted a checkpoint operation at Sitio Limite, Upper Maculan, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato to possibly intercept the tax implementing group of the Guerilla Front Musa, Far South Mindanao Region.
Uy said their intelligence operatives were strictly monitoring the movements of the group.
“Due to the development of our intel operations, troops organized a checkpoint and successfully intercepted four communist terrorist group (CTG) personalities onboard two motorcycles, however, one of the suspects immediately fired upon the government forces which led to an armed confrontation,” Uy said.
The firefight resulted in the deaths of NPA members dentified as Ariel Moca Lasib alias Jenrose/Hadi, Johndel Limosnero alias Butod, alias Rex, and a certain alias Nomer.
Lasib is a 2nd Deputy Secretary of Guerilla (GF) Musa; Limosnero is the Supply Officer; while the two others are both members of the Yunit Milisya.
Recovered from their possession were four caliber 45 pistols, three improvised explosive devices, and several communication equipment.
Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) chief Lieutenant General Alfredo Rosario Jr. said that government troops continue to conduct focused and civil-military operations to ensure the safety and security of the people, amid the preparations for the upcoming national and local elections.
Rosario assures the public to sustain the peace and order in Mindanao with the support from the local government and the populace.
Photos: WestMinCom PIO