AFTER a series of encounters with remnants of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) Negros Occidental, the Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion achieved a significant breakthrough with the seizure of 16 high-powered firearms.
Ten out of the 16 high-powered guns were confiscated during a series of clashes in the hinterlands of Toboso and Escalante City on Feb. 21-22..
Among the captured weapons are one M16 rifle, one AK47, one M653 rifle, four M1 Garand rifles, two M1 Carbines, and an M14 rifle.
Additionally, four minor firearms, several explosives, including one anti-personnel mine, eight rifle grenades, and one hand grenade, explosive paraphernalia and other war materials were also seized.
The encounters also resulted in the neutralization of three remnants of the dismantled Northern Negros Front (NNF) of the Komiteng Rehiyon – Negros Cebu Bohol Siquijor (KR-NCBS), the Army said.
To get rid of the fleeing members of the NNF, the troops launched a precision air strike on Feb. 22 using two Agusta Westland-109 Attack Helicopter Nighthawk (AW-109AH) from the Philippine Air Force at Sitio Mansulao, Barangay Pinapugasan.
On Feb. 27, the operating troops of the 79IB captured another six high-powered firearms as they decisively pursued the fleeing remnants of NNF, resulting in an encounter at Sitio Pinapugasan 2, in the said barangay.
Those captured included three Carbines two Garands. and an M14 rifle. Other war materials seized during the encounter were four rifle grenades, two short magazines for Carbine, a long magazine for Carbine, a magazine for M14 Rifle, bloc clip for Garand Rifle, and ammunitions.
Commanders of the Army’s 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division lauded the “incessant and resolute combat military operations of the 79IB against the remnants of the NNF that yielded several high-powered firearms and other war materials.”
“Our commitment persists until we establish stable Internal Peace and Security for all Negrenses. We can attain this shared goal by continue pursuing and destroying the remnants of the CTG to ensure that they will not be able to recover their influence in Negros. These actions will be complemented by a whole-of-nation approach and collaboration among various sectors and the people of Negros. With Negrenses working alongside the government, we are optimistic that achieving a state of Stable Internal Peace and Security in Negros Island is within our grasp,” 3ID Commander, Maj. Gen. Marion Sison said.
The 3ID chief also renewed his call to the remnants of the CTG to return to the folds of the government peacefully.
“Your comrades are gradually falling at the hands of our government forces, and your ammunition and weapons are dwindling. It is better for you to surrender now before you suffer the same fate as other NPAs in previous encounters. Value your life and spend your time with your family, who truly cares for you. Come, and let us together embrace and experience a peaceful and progressive Negros,” he said.