A high-powered firearm was recovered during a clash between the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) and government troops under the 58th Infantry “Dimalulupig” Battalion on July 6, 2022.
The said encounter happened at around 3:30 PM in the hinterlands of Brgy. San Juan in Balingasag, while the troops responded to the information from a concerned citizen following the presence of the armed group in their farm land. The firefight lasted for about 10 minutes, and the troops recovered one AK-47 assault rifle, four magazines AK47 with ammo, three magazines M16 with ammo, five bag packs with personal belongings, one rifle grenade, assorted medical paraphernalia, and subversive documents.
“The encounter is a result of the continued effort and active steps to thwart enemy activities. We urge the remaining members of CTGs to lay down their arms and live a peaceful and normal life and refrain from needless life loss. However, our troops will not hesitate and remain vigilant to use force against peace spoilers and other threat groups who will continue to use terrorism,” said Lieutenant Colonel Ricky L. Canatoy, Commanding Officer of the 58th Infantry “Dimalulupig” Battalion.
Additionally, Lt. Col. Canatoy expresses his sincere appreciation to the residents of Brgy. San Juan in Balingasag for their prompt and precise information on the presence of the CTGs. The said barangay is a beneficiary of the 20 million pesos ELCAC Support to Barangay Development Project (SBDP) being cleared from CTG influence and the encounter is a sign that the people in the community are not tolerating the presence of CTG that prompted them to report the same to the government troops. — PA
