Report from the locals, crucial in preventing CTG atrocities

PAQUIBATO DISTRICT, Davao City - An armed encounter between elements of 27th Infantry Battalion (IB) and a Communist Terrorist Group operating in the boundary of Davao-Bukidnon ensured at around 4:50 PM on October 27, 2020, at Purok Langub, Brgy. Malabog, Paquibato District, Davao City.

Acting on information from the locals that a group of CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNT) is extorting food supplies to the residents of the said barangay, troops under 27IB led by 2LT ADOLPH RELIEZER G BUENDIA engaged the CTG under Arian Jane Ocheta Ramos alias Marikit in a 15-minute firefight that led to to the capture of several high-powered firearms and ammunition.

These include one (1) M16 rifle, an IED triggering device, two (2) magazines for AK47, one (1) magazine for M14, one (1) pair M16 handguard, 15 rounds live ammunition of 7.62mm, nine (9) gallons containing kerosene fuel, three (3) sacks of rice, cooking utensils, assorted medicines to include contraceptive pills, medical supplies twelve (12) backpacks, and assorted personal belongings.

No one was hurt from the 27IB troopers while on the enemy side is undetermined as of this writing.

Prior to the encounter, two (2) NPA terrorist hideouts were also discovered by the operating troops early in the morning and before noon approximately 600 meters away from the encounter site.

Such discovery further validates the report of the locals regarding the presence of the CNT who were extorting food from the residents of the geographically isolated and disadvantaged area (GIDA). As such, at about 4:50 PM the armed engagement against the CTG occurred.

LTC VICTORINO SEÑO, the Commander of 27IB appealed to the remaining CNTs who are victims of the dead ideology to lay down their arms, avail of the programs and services offered by the government, and be a government’s partner in establishing a peaceful environment conducive to sustainable development.

Meanwhile, BGEN NOLASCO A MEMPIN, 1003rd Infantry Brigade Commander, commended the troop’s determination for tirelessly scouring the forested areas of Paquibato District in order to hit the CNTs and prevent them from terrorizing the peace-loving community of Paquibato.

Likewise, the Commander of 10th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, MGEN REUBEN S BASIAO congratulated the troops of 27IB for their commendable efforts in relentlessly pursuing the CNTs who were involved in several atrocities and extortion activities in Paquibato District.

It can be recalled that the 27IB troopers also engaged the same group in Barangay Saloy, Calinan District last September 9, 2020, that resulted in their major setbacks to include the neutralization of alias Rommel, a high-ranking leader of the same CTG and further forcing others to escape and surrender to the government forces.

Source: Civil-Military Operations Office, 27th Infantry Battalion, Joint Task Force Agila, PA