ARMY TRACKS NPA ARSONISTS IN BUKIDNON, CAPTURES 6 FIREARMS AND OTHER WAR MATERIALS
On June 22, 2020, the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, Philippine Army was able to track down the NPA arsonists who are members of Guerilla Front “Malayag” of North Central Mindanao Regional Committee under Fredo Banawan a.k.a. “Migz” in a series of clashes in the uninhabited and hinterland areas of Barangay Canangaan, Cabanglasan, Bukidnon.
Mr Fredo Banawan also known as “Migz”, aged 35 years old is half manobo and half bisaya, married, native of Brgy Cawayan of Quezon, Bukidnon, has been a fugitive of the law for violation of RA 9208 as amended by RA 10364 with a standing warrant of arrest under criminal case number 33387-19 issued by Hon Eldred D Cole, the acting presiding judge of RTC Branch 10, City of Malaybalay. The said fugitive is also implicated in various crimes of arson, extortion, grave threat and murder being espoused by their terrorist organization in the province of Bukidnon.
The 88th Infantry (Maringal) Battalion of the 4ID launched its pursuit operations against the NPA arsonists responsible for the burning of two heavy equipment (payloader and dump truck) owned by the Butal and Singcol Construction Firm who refused to submit to the NPA’s extortion schemes at Barangay Sinabuagan, Valencia City, Bukidnon in the evening of June 19, 2020. The burning of private properties is a clear violation of the rule of law and of the International Humanitarian Law committed by these ruthless NPA terrorists.
With the Diamond troopers’ pledge to protect the people in Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions, a series of clashes ensued between the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) and government forces as the latter relentlessly pursued the perpetrators for their crimes of arson and extortion in the local communities of Bukidnon. The government forces caught up with the terrorists in Barangay Canangaan, Cabanglasan, Bukidnon resulting to the series of encounters that led to the capture of six (6) high-powered armaments which include four (4) M16 rifles, one (1) carbine rifle, and one (1) M203 grenade launcher at 2:00 in the afternoon of June 22, 2020. Ensuing encounters were also recorded at 4:50 and 5:50 in the afternoon of the same day against the scampering terrorists. Consequently, another bunch of CTG’s war materials were captured by the operating troops which include one (1) laptop, six (6) mobile phones, one (1) C4 landmine, two (2) improvised anti-personnel mines, assorted magazines of M14 and M16 rifles, three (3) burners, assorted medical stuff, personal belongings, and documents with high tactical value.
MGen Andres Centino, Commander of 4ID, emphasized in his statement, “Our troops will be relentless in our pursuit against the communist terrorists who have nothing to offer to the people but endless violence and vicious cycle of terror. This intensified campaign is aimed to finally put an end to the decades long problem of communist insurgency. Hence, we call on all well meaning and responsible citizens to support our campaign against the Communist Terrorist Group so that we will finally end this menace of our society.”
The military further calls on the business sectors and other victims of extortion by the CTGs to stand up and not be afraid, but cooperate instead with the authorities in order to stop the decades-long extortion of the CTGs that have been hampering the development of the affected localities.
“So long as they pursue their acts of terrorism, know that the Diamond Troopers will pursue with resolve and commitment to our mandate of protecting the people and the communities here in our area of responsibility. We call on everyone to support your government’s efforts of convergence to end this communist insurgency once and for all. The recent series of encounters in Bukidnon is a good example of the cooperation displayed by the local folks by tipping off the CTG’s location. The incident also manifested that the business owners are fed up with the CTG’s extortion schemes and have refused to give in to their demands. It is my hope that we continue working together as we deny the CTGs of their resource generation and finally triumph our communities over the terrorists who have been wreaking havoc in Northern Mindanao and Caraga,” Centino underlined.
“To the remaining Communist NPA Terrorists, your end is nearing. Your meaningless cause is dying and your deception of the people has long been uncovered.
Kadaghanan sa mga katawhan wala na mahi-uyon sa inyong pama-agi.
Lay down your arms while there is still time, receive the government’s socio-economic support and rejoin your families or continue with your terroristic ways and embrace certain demise,” Centino ended. (Capt Al Anthony Pueblas | 4ID | RPN DXKS)
