CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – Through its relentless and intensified combat and non-combat operations, the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division has achieved another milestone in fulfilling its mandate to ensure the safety and security of the people in Northern Mindanao and Cagara Region in the year 2023.
Ushering 4ID’s victory in the previous year was the aggressive joint and combined focused military operations that led to a total of 101 encounters from January 1 to December 31, 2023, wherein 43 CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) have been killed, 1 captured, 5 apprehensions, and 174 Surrenders.
Meanwhile, a total of 209 firearms, composed of 185 high-powered and 24 low-powered firearms were captured and surrendered.
Pivotal to this success is the neutralization of CTG’s top leadership. On July 26, 2023, a high-ranking CTG leader identified as Dionisio “Muling” Micabalo, the Secretary of NCMRC, was neutralized during the encounter with 4ID troops in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental. Likewise, the intensified intelligence gathering has cut the enemy’s ability to sustain its operations and led to the neutralization of numerous high-value individuals (HVIs) and finance officers, resulting in a significant blow to CTG, foiling their extortion, intimidation, and other criminal and terroristic activities in 4ID’s AOR.
Ending the year, 4ID troops have further intensified its military offensive operations, leading to the encounter with the members of the so-called Sub-Regional Committee-2 (SRC2), Headquarters Loader and Regional Sentro De Gravidad (RSDG) Compaq all of North Central Mindanao Regional Committee in the hinterlands of Malaybalay City, Bukidnon on Christmas Day, December 25, 2023. This resulted in the deaths of ten (10) CNTs including its top leader and criminal killer couple identified as Beverly Sinunta alias Ayang, the Secretary of SRC2, NCMRC, and her husband Alfredo Banawan alias Alab, the Deputy Secretary.
4ID Commander Major General Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II emphasized the unwavering commitment of JTF DIAMOND troops in the performance of their mandate and the support of the people that has propelled the success of the previous year. Further, he strongly affirmed 4ID’s strong resolve to finish the fight against CTG in 2024.
“The previous year had its fair share of challenges, however, with the steadfast commitment and strong resolute of our troops, 4ID has maintained its winning momentum against the NPA criminals,”Mgen. Cuerpo added.
Likewise, the support and trust of the people and the communities along with the united effort of all national government agencies, local government units, government security forces, and stakeholders addressing the humanitarian aspect of the conflict has given us an impetus to successfully perform our mandated task. T
herefore, we assure the people that we are determined to honor that trust by remaining steadfast to our mandate by ushering in the new year with renewed commitment, dedication, and a strong resolve for the total downfall of CTG and other threat groups that hamper our nation’s progress,” the JTF D Commander said.
Further, MGen Cuerpo instructed the JTFD troops to sustain operational excellence and relentlessly pursue the remaining CTG.
“In the pursuit of a peaceful resolution, the government has provided ample opportunities for the remaining NPA to return to the folds of the law.
The door for voluntary surrender remains open should they choose to turn their life around for the betterment of their families and the communities.#
