CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City—The 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division accomplished remarkable success in the third quarter of 2024, scoring significantly against the communist terrorist group (CTG) as it continuously dominated and reduced CTG members and leaders and their firepower.
Major General Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II, Commander of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID), stated during the Campaign Progress Review and Assessment (CPRA) held at the 4ID Headquarters in Camp Evangelista, Brgy. Patag, Cagayan de Oro City, , that his troops had initiated 24 encounters from July to September this year.
These operations resulted in the neutralization of 70 CPP New People;s Army (NPA) terrorists (CNTs), as well as the capture and recovery of 88 firearms from arms caches, along with several confiscations and surrenders.
Among the most significant achievements was the surrender of Meni Rose Calipay De Castro alias Cream, a medic of the Regional Headquarters, NEMRC, who was said to have served as the medic of Myrna Sularte alias Maria Malaya, the so-called Secretary of the NEMRC, since January to May 2024.
She yielded to the 29th Infantry Battalion under the operational control of the 901st Infantry Brigade in Brgy. Del Pilar, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte on July 18, 2024.
Likewise, troops from the 401st Infantry Brigade successfully conducted in two major encounters with close air support from September 7 to 9 in Bolhoon, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur. These operations resulted in the capture of ten high-powered firearms and the death of two CNTs. It is believed also that there were more casualties among the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG), as evidenced by heavy bloodstains found at the encounter site and along the withdrawal route.
Following said encounters, 13 CTG members chose the path of peace and surrender, bringing with them 28 high-powered firearms. This decision came in the wake of a relentless pursuit operation, characterized by a steadfast and ongoing call for peaceful surrender. The combined efforts aimed to resolve the situation without escalating further conflict, highlighting a commitment to dialogue over violence.
During his remarks at the CPRA, Maj. Gen. Cuerpo II commended the outstanding performance of the troops, which resulted in continuous setbacks for the CTG over the quarter. He emphasized that these successful operations reflect a focused effort to prevent CTG atrocities and improve cooperation between partner stakeholders and the civilian population.
The 4ID Commander also expressed his goal of completing the mission by the end of the year. I want to congratulate everyone on the outstanding performance we’ve achieved in the third quarter, as reflected in our operational results. I am extremely proud of what this unit has accomplished.
