MARAMAG, BUKIDNON – 88th Infantry Maringal Battalion troops encountered the members of NPA Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) under Bernon Sinunta @ KALOY of Sub-Regional Sentro De Grabidad (SRSDG) PEDDLER, Sub-Regional Committee 2 (SRC2), North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) in a 25- minute gun battle in the forested area of Sitio Supon, Barangay Nakabuklad, San Fernando Bukidnon in the early morning of February 05, 2023.
The said encounter resulted in the seizure of their temporary encampment recovery of various war materiel to include but not limited to: Two (2) - link of Cartridge 5.56mm ammunitions; Two (2) rolls of electrical wires for Improvised Explosive Device (IED); Nine (9) gallons of rice; personal belongings and other subversive documents.
Relatedly, on February 02, 2023 this unit conducted Peace Dialogue with the populace of the barangay where the said encounter happened. The purpose of the said activity was to encourage everyone to continue their support to the peace and development program of the government and not to allow the CTG to infiltrate their already peaceful community.
COL CHRISTIAN JAMES P VINGNO, Commanding Officer of 88IB in his statement said: He lauded the community on their full cooperation to government forces, the continuous support from the citizens through giving of essential information on the locations and activities of the CNTs is a big help in our pursuit against these CTGs, it is a clear manifestation that the said terrorist group is not anymore welcome in the said community.
I am again calling the attention of the remaining members of NPA terrorists operating in our Area of Operation to come down and avail the program of the government. Start a new life and leave peacefully with your family, Vingno added.
Source: 88th Infantry "Maringal" Battalion, Philippine Army - Facebook Page