were killed, following a series of encounters with the troops of 58th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Barangay Plaridel, Claveria Misamis Oriental on Friday (March 18).
First Lieutenant Vincent Mark Maddul, civil military officer of 58th IB said that the first encounter occurred at 7 a.m. in the hinterlands of Barangay Plaridel, Claveria Misamis Oriental while the troops were conducting military operations while following traces of a communist terrorist group (CTG) hideout discovered in the area.
The firefight lasted about ten minutes against 10 armed elements of Guerilla Front Huawei of Sub-regional Committee 1 (SRC1) of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).
He said heavy bloodstains were discovered as the troops continued their pursuit of the fleeing enemies, which led to another encounter, an hour later, that lasted for about another ten minutes.
The slain NPA members were identified by the military as Agay Taquin, alias Kerby, the Vice Commander of Platoon Falcon, SRC 1, NCMRC; Andrew Odiongan, alias Dave, the political instructor of SR SDG Eagles, SRC 1, NCMRC; and Joan Pajardo, alias Amirgo, Team Leader B of Squad 1, GF Huawei, SRC 1.
The series of encounters have resulted in the recovery of a KG9, M16 rifle, Carbine rifle, five makeshift tents, magazines, several ammunition, personal belongings, and subversive documents.
No casualties have been reported on the government's side, according to Maddul.
Lieutenant Colonel Ricky L. Canatoy, 58th IB commander said they will not hesitate to use force against peacebreakers and other threat groups that continue to use terrorism.
“The Army has been merciful to the armed rebels in recent months, urging them to return to the folds of the law and live a peaceful and normal life, thus avoiding unnecessary death. Because it is our duty as soldiers to protect and secure the lives of the innocent and the progress of Misamis Oriental,” he said.
Canatoy reiterated his call to the remaining members of the CPP-NPA to return to the folds of the law and avail themselves of the programs and services of the government intended for them.
The cadavers were turned over to the Barangay Council and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO) where they will be given decent and proper turn-over to their families.
Photos: 58th IB
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