Modified CSP sparks capture of 2 NPA terrorists in Paquibato

PAQUIBATO, Davao City – Two NPA terrorists with high-powered firearms were captured due to massive effort of the 27th Infantry Battalion's (IB) Modified Community Support Program (MCSP). On September 15, 2020, at around 6AM, a concerned resident from Brgy. Malabog, Paquibato District, Davao City reported to the MCSP Team under 1st Lt. Joven Tolete about the presence of two suspicious male roaming at Sitio Mangayahay of the said barangay.

Accordingly, the duo is not from the place and their suspicious movement caught the attention of the residents.

Acting on the report, the augmented MCSP Team led 1Lt Tolete immediately proceeded to Sitio Polocon. Guided by a concerned resident, the troops were able to capture the two suspicious male individuals.

During the course of the investigation, the duo was identified as Elmo Sigan-an alias KEVIN, 20 years old and a resident of Sitio Kinse-Kinse, Brgy Colosas, Paquibato District, Davao City and Joshua Mabanag alias JOSHUA, 18 years old and a resident of Sitio Lasakan, Brgy Palma Gil, Davao Del Norte.

Further investigation revealed that the two NPA terrorists left and buried their firearms somewhere at the vicinity of Sito Mangayahay, Brgy Malabog, PDDC.

After almost three hours, the troops were able to locate and seized two M16 rifles, eight long magazines, two Bandoliers, live ammunitions for an M16 rifle, one UHF ICOM radio, and assorted personal belongings hidden in a cave in an isolated part of Sitio Mangayahay, Brgy. Malabog, Paquibato District, Davao City.

The successful operation is a result of timely and reliable information relayed by a concerned citizen to the MCSP team deployed in the area. The MCSP team is immersed in the area to enlighten the community particularly members of the underground mass organization (UGMO) deceived and recruited by the NPA terrorists and assist them in facilitating the resolution of issues exploited by the said armed group.

Last September 15, 2020, almost 400 members of UGMO in Paquibato District have cut their ties and affiliation with the NPA terrorists belonging to GF55. As such, they condemned the NPA terrorist’s presence in their community.

In return, the former UGMO members pledged to support the military and promised to embrace the government’s efforts towards peace and development.

Lieutenant Colonel Victorino M Seño, Commanding Officer of the 27th Infantry Battalion extends his appreciation to the residents of Calinan District for providing timely and reliable information about the presence of NPA terrorists that resulted in the capture of the aforementioned NPA terrorists.

“With the continued cooperation and support of the locals as manifested by the consistent passing of reliable information about the armed group, sooner this armed group will have no place in Davao City,” he said.

Source: Civil-Military Operations Office, 27th Infantry Battalion, 10th Infantry Division, PA