The intensive Focused Military Operations of the 77th Infantry Battalion under the 501st Infantry Brigade led to the recovery and confiscation of high-powered firearms, anti-personnel mines, and war materiel after the encounter against the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) on February 7, 2022, in Barangay Dagupan, Lal-lo, Cagayan.
“Residents of the said barangay immediately reported to the deployed troops about the presence of the undetermined number of members of Komiteng Probinsya Cagayan, Komiteng Rehiyon-Cagayan Valley in their community. The troops immediately acted on the said report resulting in the armed encounter between the government troops and the CTGs that lasted for 30 minutes,” said LtC Joeboy D Kindipan, Battalion Commander of 77IB.
He added that after the encounter, the troops recovered two M16 rifles with three magazines, two M14 rifles with two magazines, one M653 rifle, one colt 45 with one magazine, one anti-personnel mine, several ammunitions, short wire, assorted medical supply, and subversive documents.
BGen Steve D. Crespillo, Brigade Commander of 501st Infantry Brigade said that additional troops were already augmented in the area to apprehend the fleeing terrorist NPA.
“It is another big blow for the terrorist CPP-NPA. With the intense campaign against insurgency in Cagayan, the CTGs are desperate to look for their hideouts. With the strong support of the populace, we will spoil their terrorist plans and other atrocities especially in their upcoming NPA anniversary and the 2022 elections,” said BGen. Crespillo.
Meanwhile, MGen Laurence E. Mina, Commander of 5th Infantry Division lauded the gallantry of the troops that led to another recovery of firearms from the CTG and warned the remaining members of the terrorist group.
“This is not just our victory but also a victory of the people. I congratulate the Startroopers for their commitment to service, dutifully responding to the report of the residents. To the remaining members of the CTG, it is not yet too late to return to the folds of the law. You choose your fate. Either you come home and be with your family and loved ones, or live your life miserably with the CTGs,” said MGen Mina.
