According to Major Francisco Garello, the spokesman of 4th Infantry Division based in Cagayan de Oro City that the troops figured in a 30-minute firefight against 30 fully armed Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) operating in Surigao del Norte at around 11:30 a.m.
The encounter resulted in the confiscation of two firearms and assorted war materiels to include improvised explosive devices (IED) and its components.
Recovered at the encounter site were a Caliber 45 Pistol; magazine; Hand Grenade; half hand-guard of M653 Rifle; AR15 HandGuard; 4 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs); and its components.
Also seized were various medical and dental supplies equipment; assorted canned goods and food stuffs; and several personal belongings.
Garello identified the rescued minors through their aliases as Jessie; Shonmark; Reynan; and Eman. They are all 15-years-old and residing in Surigao del Norte province.
He said the minors were all safe with no injuries and were immediately turned over to San Francisco Police Station and Municipal Social Workers Development (MSWD) for proper disposition.
Currently, the 4th ID has already rescued 70 minors from the abuse and exploitation of the CNTs. They were either rescued during an encounter or voluntarily surrendered to the government.
Meanwhile, another NPA combatant was arrested while pursuit operations against the fleeing rebels went on.
Ruan Loayon alias George was found hungry and thirsty approximately 350 meters northwest of the encounter site on Tuesday (Dec 28).
4th ID chief Brigadier General Oliver T Vesliño, said that the series of clashes since past week is a demonstration of the Army’s resolve to relentlessly pursue the rebels.
He said that the government forces have foiled the terroristic plans of the CNTs who are taking advantage of the situation while the whole nation is preoccupied with the on-going relief and rehabilitation operations as offshoots to typhoon Odette.
“We will show the futility of their armed struggle. We are saddened by their hostile plans because the holiday season should be a time of giving and sharing but the CNTs treachery knows no bounds and time as long as they advance their terroristic agenda,” Vesliño added.
Vesliño continuously appealed to the remaining terrorist CPP-NPAs to surrender and avail the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
Photos: 4th ID
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