EastMinCom commander Lt. Gen. Greg T. Almerol in a statement said of the number, 66 were killed during the legitimate operations with government troops, 127 were captured, and 586 capitulated.
One thousand two hundred allies also withdrew their support from the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) as a result of EastMinCom’s focused military operations, the statement reads.
EastMinCom units also seized more than 600 high-powered and low-powered firearms in combat operations and through the surrender of former rebels. On top of that, the Command also seized 87 anti-personnel mines and discovered 180 CTG lairs within the same period.
Just recently, the 3rd Infantry Battalion (3rd IB) seized two AK47 rifles from Guerrilla Front Malayag, Sub-Regional Committee 2, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (GF Malayag, SRC2, NCMRC) during an intel operation launched at Sitio Trucut, Barangay Cawayan, Quezon, Bukidnon on November 24.
A former communist terrorist identified as Jeffrey Ardita alias Lingling, Squad Leader of Platun Dos/Team Leader of SPARU, Sub-Regional Sentro de Grabidad (Peddler), SRC2, NCMRC disclosed the location of the firearms after he surrendered to the troops on November 5.
Meanwhile, the Matigsalog tribe of Sitio Gamot, Barangay Sta. Felomina, Quezon, Bukidnon also turned over a Springfield M1 Garand rifle to the troops of 3rd IB on November 23, which was believed to be owned by a member of Platoon Bagsik of GF Malayag. The turnover happened following the three-day peacebuilding seminar conducted by the said unit in the area.
In a separate incident, a high-ranking CTG member identified as Iresh Ayuma Ramos alias Nene/Kam, Medical/Finance Officer of GF Motorola, SRC 1, NCMRC, surrendered to the Commanding Officer of 58th Infantry Battalion on November 21.
Almerol said that the growing number of neutralized CTG members is a clear manifestation of the effective strategies employed by EastMinCom units in their respective areas.
“With no letup in our intensified combat operations, coupled with the strong support from the Local Government Units and the populace, we are optimistic that we can dismantle the remaining Guerilla Fronts in Eastern Mindanao and finally make way for unhampered peace and development,” Almerol said. (RICHY NALAGON)
Photo: EASTMINCOM