The military notched two victories this week when operatives killed Saturday a terrorist-bomber involved in twin bombings in Sultan Kudarat and captured Thursday a New People’s Army leader in operations in Negros Occidental.
Brig. Gen. Diosdado Carreon, commander of the Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade, said Norodin Taib, a bomber and militant of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter, was killed in Sitio Lab, Barangay Kuloy, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao at about 2 a.m.
Carreon said troops were approaching the safe house of Taib but the BIFF bomber, with five other companions scampered in different directions.
One of the fleeing suspects hurled a homemade hand grenade at authorities, prompting soldiers to defend themselves, hitting Taib, according to the military.
Reports said Taib was involved in two separate bombings at Isulan, Sultan Kudarat last Aug. 28 and Sept. 2, that left five people killed and wounded 50 others.
Carreon said the military operation against Taib was launched following information from concerned civilians about the presence of notorious bombers in the area.
Maj. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Joint Task Force Commander, commended the 601st IB for “neutralizing” Taib whom he called responsible in bombing incidents in Central Mindanao.
“We will continue to conduct military operations with the assistance of the Philippine National Police, local government units, and the civilian populace to stop them from doing their terroristic activities,” Sobejana said.
In Negros Occidental, 2nd Lt. Mae Rio Sanchez, Civil Military Operations officer of the 15th Infantry Battalion, said army and police operatives captured Joebert “Allan” Herrera, 36, a Platoon Leader of the Southwest Front of the CPP//NPA in Sipalay City.
Citing police records, Sanchez said Herrera had two standing warrants of arrest for the crime of murder and multiple frustrated murder and arson.
Lt. Col. Patricio Tomales, commanding officer of the 15th Infantry Battalion, said the capture of Herrera was made possible through the cooperation of the civilian populace who told the military they were already fed up with the atrocities perpetrated by the CPP/NPA.
He vowed more arrests and urged local populace continued support to authorities to stamp out NPA activities.
“In coordination with the police, there will be more [operations] in Negros. With the active help of the local populace, the CPP/NPA terrorists will be suppressed and defeated,” Tomales said.
“The 15thIB will continue with its counter-terrorist operations to ensure the safety and security of the people…and attain the aspired peace and security in Negros,” Tomales added.