After a series of decisive encounters with the remnants of the Communist Terrorist Group Negros Occidental, the Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion achieved a significant breakthrough, seizing a total of 16 high-powered firearms from the CTG.
Ten out of the 16 high-powered guns were seized during a series of clashes in the hinterlands of Toboso and Escalante City from February 21 to 22, 2024.
Among these captured weapons are one M16 Rifle, one AK47, one M653 Rifle, four M1 Garand Rifles, two M1 Carbines and an M14 Rifle.
Additionally, four low-powered firearms, several explosives, including one anti- personnel mine, eight rifle grenades and one hand grenade, explosive paraphernalia and other war materials were seized. These encounters also resulted in the neutralization of three remnants of the dismantled Northern Negros Front (NNF) of the Komiteng Rehiyon – Negros Cebu Bohol Siquijor (KR-NCBS).
To get rid of the fleeing members of the NNF, the battalion also launched a precision air strike on February 22 using two Agusta Westland-109 Attack Helicopter Nighthawk (AW-109AH) from the Philippine Air Force at Sitio Mansulao, Barangay Pinapugasan.
On February 27, the operating troops of the 79IB captured another six high-powered firearms as they decisively pursued the fleeing remnants of NNF, resulting in an encounter at Sitio Pinapugasan 2, in the said barangay.
These firearms include three Carbine Rifles, two Garand Rifles and an M14 Rifle. Other war materials seized from the encounter site were four rifle grenades, two short magazines for Carbine, a long magazine for Carbine, a magazine for M14 Rifle, bloc clip for Garand Rifle and ammunition.
The leadership of the Army’s 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division lauded the incessant and resolute combat military operations of the 79IB against the remnants of the NNF that yielded several high-powered firearms and other war materials.
Our commitment persists until we establish stable Internal Peace and Security for all Negrenses. We can attain this shared goal by continue pursuing and destroying the remnants of the CTG to ensure that they will not be able to recover their influence in Negros. These actions will be complemented by a whole-of-nation approach and collaboration among various sectors and the people of Negros.
With Negrenses working alongside the government, we are optimistic that achieving a state of Stable Internal Peace and Security in Negros Island is within our grasp," said 3ID Commander Major General Marion R. Sison.
The 3ID Commander also renewed his call to the remnants of the CTG to return to the folds of the government peacefully.
“Your comrades are gradually falling at the hands of our government forces, and your ammunition and weapons are dwindling. It is better for you to surrender now before you suffer the same fate as other NPAs in previous encounters.
Value your life and spend your time with your family, who truly cares for you. Come, and let us together embrace and experience a peaceful and progressive Negros,” he ended.
