A communist terrorist group member was killed while another was wounded during a clash with the troops of the 38th Infantry Battalion in Maitum, Sarangani Province on August 11, 2022.
According to Maj. Gen. Roy Galido, Commander of Joint Task Force Central, soldierw were conducting combat clearing operations when they chanced upon two CTG members. One of the terrorists immediately drew his pistol and opened fire which prompted the soldiers to retaliate. The short firefight resulted in the instantaneous death of the one carrying the pistol. His comrade was apprehended.
The slain terrorist was identified as Gilbert Matingkal, 23, while the captured CTG member was identified as Ronel Matingkal, 18. Both are from La Union, Maitum. Ronel was turned over to Maitum PNP while the remains of Gilbert was handed over to the Barangay LGU for proper disposition.
Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command, said that the Armed Forces will never allow terrorists to create havoc in peaceful communities.
“The remnants of the CTG are desperately finding means for survival, hence, we are exhausting our resources to hunt them down,” he said. (Victor Baldemor)
