The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, General Romeo Brawner, Jr., lauded the troops of the 95th Infantry Battalion during his visit to their Tactical Command Post in Barangay Sisim, Peñablanca, Cagayan, on September 15, 2024.
According to Col. Xerxes Trinidad the AFP Public Affairs Office chief, Brawner congratulated the unit for their successful operation that led to a recent encounter with the New People’s Army (NPA) in the area.
On September 11, 2024, NPA leader Edgar Arbitrario, also known as “Karl,” was killed in a military encounter in Barangay Baliuag, Peñablanca. Arbitrario, a Davao City native and the Secretary of the NPA’s Komiteng Rehiyon Cagayan Valley, was involved in several terrorist activities.
Two other NPA members, “Ka Jorly” and “Ka Nieves,” were also neutralized in the encounter. Recovered from the site were various firearms, ammunition, and other military equipment, Lt. Col Anthony Pueblas of the Northern Luzon Command said.
During his visit, Brawner awarded the troops involved in the successful mission and emphasized the AFP’s commitment to fully complying with its campaign to end the insurgency.
“I congratulate you on your outstanding performance in this mission. Your dedication and courage are crucial as we transition to territorial defense operations. Remember, a strong AFP means a strong nation.” he said.
Brawner also urged the troops to stay focused on their mission and to remain vigilant in their efforts to maintain peace and security in the region.
He highlighted that the success of the operation reinforces the AFP’s strategic goals in eradicating insurgency and building a more secure and peaceful future for the nation.
