Army Discovers Another CPP-NPA Terrorists Food Cache in Bukidnon

CODB, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon - Another CPP-NPA Terrorist food cache was discovered by the troops of the 88th Infantry Battalion near Sitio Pantaron, Brgy. Banlag, Valencia City, Bukidnon at early dawn of March 9, 2018.

Unearthed by the troops were 26 plastic containers filled with rice after disgruntled local residents of Brgy. Banlag reported said food cache to the authorities.

Accordingly, the rice in these containers includes those that were forcibly taken by the CPP-NPA Terrorists' from the local residents, who are already fed-up by intimidation and extortion.

It can be recalled that on February 14, 2018, the troops of 88th Infantry Battalion also discovered a CPP-NPA Terrorists food cache that includes 67 plastic containers filled with rice and two plastic drums filled with assorted food and medical supplies.

In a Press Briefing that was held at 88th Infantry Battalion Headquarters in Maramag, Bukidnon, alias Bugoy, one of the local residents who became a member of the CPP-NPA party organs in the community, shared some of his experiences on CPP-NPA intimidation, coercion, and extortion among common folks.

During the Press Briefing, the 88th Infantry Battalion also presented six assorted firearms that were surrendered by CPP-NPA personalities from January 16 to March 11, 2018. These include one M16 rifle with ammunition, one KG-9 Sub-machine Gun with ammunition, two Cal .45 pistols with ammunition, three Cal .38 revolvers with ammunition, and one Rifle Grenade.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Randy O Remonte, Commanding Officer of the 88th Infantry Battalion, assured the people within their area of operations that they will continue to work closely with the local government units, the PNP, and the local residents in the conduct of Community Support Program, while continuing to secure the communities from CPP-NPA threats. 

"We assure our people in this particular area in Bukidnon that your 88th Infantry Battalion will continue to collaborate with you together with our local government units and our PNP in ensuring peace and order in your communities. In our three months of existence as a newly activated Battalion of the Philippine Army, we are glad to have shared with you our humble accomplishments in our bid to maintain peace and order in our communities," he said.

Brigadier General Eric C Vinoya, Commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, also gave assurance that the 403rd Infantry Brigade will have no let up in its Focused Military Operations while continuing its efforts on Community Support Program. He also warned all those who would provide aid to the CPP-NPA Terrorists that the long arms of the law will catch up with them in due time.

"We will have no let up on our Focused Military Operations until such time that our communities will be free from the CPP-NPA Terrorists coercion and intimidation, while working closely with our Local Government Units for the resolution of issues and the empowerment of the local residents within the conflict-affected areas through our Community Support Program," said General Vinoya.

"For all those who are still in cahoots with the CPP-NPA Terrorists by the mere fact that they provide any form of aid, let it be a warning to them that the long arms of the law will catch up with them in due time. And so we are encouraging them to join with the legitimate cause of the government to put an end on this insurgency that has been damaging our social and economic development for almost half a century already," he further added.

Source: 403rd Infantry Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, PA