The 1st Special Forces Battalion neutralized a Medical Officer of Platun Ipad, Sub-Regional Command – 5 and captured 2 high-powered firearms in a 45 – minutes firefight at Brgy Imbayao, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon last April 18, 2022.
The Platun Ipad, SRC – 5 was wiped out in their mass bases in Western Bukidnon since 2021. To coercively recover these mass bases, they plan to launch a tactical offensive against Private Construction Companies in charge of building road projects, sabotage vulnerable military and police units, kill unsupportive Local Chief Executives and civilians.
However, civilians have reported their presence that the 1st Special Forces Battalion immediately responded. The firefight with the elements of PLATUN IPAD, SRC-5, NCMRC transpired that resulted in the neutralization of Darren Jane Tilucan, a medical officer, and the capture of 2 high-powered firearms, hand grenade, assorted magazines, ammunition and backpacks.
“We will make sure to counter their attempts in recovering their former mass bases in Bukidnon to ensure peace and the progressive development of Bukidnon. Now is their chance to heed the government’s call to lay down arms, abandon their twisted and violent communist ideology and to peacefully surrender and avail the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government or we will hunt down and neutralize every Communist Terrorists NPA element to end CTG’s violence,” said LTC Vercisio G. San Jose Jr., 1SFB Battalion Commander.
“The people of Bukidnon had rejected and condemned these communist terrorists. They have been enlightened on the deaths and sufferings they bring. We are thankful on the people of Bukidnon on their cooperation to end this armed conflict to give way to the peace and development in their community,” said BGen Ferdinand T. Barandon PA, 403rd Infantry Brigade.
The outstanding courage and determination shown by the 1st Special Forces Battalion with extreme risk of life above and beyond the call duty is a living proof that your Philippine Army is devoted in serving the Filipino people and protecting the country against the violence and exploitation of the CTG. — PA
