CAMP AQUINO, Tarlac — After recent armed encounters of government troops against terrorist groups resulting in the loss of lives of Communist terrorists and the recovery of firearms in Kalinga and Cagayan on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, the Commander of Northern Luzon Command, AFP Lt/Gen. Fernyl G. Buca, PAF has issued a stirring plea for the remaining members of the Communist Terrorist group to “lay down their arms and surrender to the government.”
“With our gains in our recent security operations in the areas of Cagayan and Kalinga, our troops remain steadfast in our mission to fully rid Northern Luzon of these violent and destructive elements. To the remaining members of the Communist Terrorist Group, I urge you to lay down your arms and surrender to authorities,” said Gen. Buca.
According to NOLCOM, troops of the 501st Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army’s 5th Infantry Division encountered more or less 20 members of the Komiteng Probinsya (KOMPROB) Cagayan and Isabela, Komiteng Rehiyon Cagayan Valley (KRCV) at Sitio Bigoc, Bgy Alucao, Sta Teresita Cagayan on May 3 resulting in the deaths of two NPA member and the recovery of two R4 rifles, one M16 rifle, and one M653 rifle during the clash.
One of the deceased NPA members was identified as Alyas Morga, a student from the University of the Philippines (UP) who was recruited into the armed movement. According to reports, Morga attempted to escape from the terrorist group last January 2023 due to the hardships experienced in the organization, but was unsuccessful due to unfamiliarity with the mountainous area of Hacienda Intal in Baggao, Cagayan, and was later found out by his/her terrorist comrades.
In a separate incident, the 503rd Infantry Brigade encountered members of the Komiteng Larangang Gerilya Baggas, Ilocos Cordillera Regional Committee, resulting in the death of one NPA member and the recovery of an M16 rifle.
As the troops conduct clearing operations in Sitio Biguc, Brgy Alucao, Santa Teresita, Cagayan on May 4, 2023, the military recovered various enemy materials that included five magazines of M16, 122 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, two commercial radios, two bandoliers, one power bank, one cooking pot, two backpacks, four cellphones, three chargers, eleven SIM cards, and subversive documents.
“The government is ready and willing to offer assistance to those who wish to return to the fold of the law and start anew. Let us put an end to the senseless violence and destruction that only bring suffering to our fellow Filipinos. Surrender now and let us work together towards a peaceful and prosperous future for our communities,” furthered the NOLCOM Commander in a strong and resolute call to end the cycle of violence and armed conflict in the Northern region. (UnliNews Online)
