War materiel and personal belongings believed to be owned by the members of the Communist Terrorist Group was found by the troops of 17th Infantry Battalion on June 4, 2022 after the firefight at Sitio Paco, Barangay Aurora, Pudtol, Apayao.
The said military troops recovered an M16 5.56 rifle with long magazine and 17 ammunitions, two anti-personnel mines and two bagpacks. The troops are still scouring the encounter site for more possible items left by the enemies.
“We are still searching the area as we alerted the adjacent troops to conduct blocking positions for possible apprehension of the members of the West Front Committee,” LtC Oliver C Logan, Battalion Commander of 17IB said.
Fortunately, no casualties recorded on the government side while they are still verifying the situation on the enemy side.
Further, BGen Steve Crespillo, Brigade Commander of 501st Infantry Brigade said that the APMs recovered is just a proof that the CTGs are violators of the International Humanitarian Law.
“Opposite of what they are proclaiming as the defenders of human rights, the terrorist groups don’t care about the rights of any individuals as long as they carried out their atrocities,” said BGen Crespillo.
“Recovery of their war materials means saving innocent lives. Your army troops will not hesitate on risking own life just to protect the people against the inhumane and unlawful acts of the CTGs. So i am warning the remaining members of the CTGs to just lay down your arms or else face the consequences of supporting the enemy of the state,” the general added.
Recall that, early morning of June 3 a firefight ensued between the said military troops and more or less 20 members of WFC of the Komiteng Probinsya Cagayan, Komiteng Rehiyon Cagayan Valley where the firefight lasted for 20 minutes. — PA
