The Northern Luzon Command, AFP (NOLCOM) is tightening its operational grip on the last remaining Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in its Joint Operational Area, following a series of armed engagements with the Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Committee (ICRC) of the CPP-NPA in Barangay Maragat, Kabugao, Apayao.
From April 5 to 11, 2025, troops under the Joint Task Force Tala (5ID, PA), launched security operations after a tip received from the concern locals on the presence of unidentified armed men in the mountainous area of the said village wrecking havoc in the peaceful community of Kabugao.
The security operations led to a successive firefight with the ICRC – the only CTG unit still operating in Northern Luzon. The exchanged of bullets resulted to the recovery of two M16A1 rifles; one Garand rifle; one M203 grenade launcher along with three 40mm high-explosive rounds; one 9mm 1911 pistol; and one rifle grenade; assorted war materiel; communication devices (mobile phones and handheld radios); 22 improvised explosive devices; subversive documents with high tactical values and personal belongings.
LTGen. Fernyl Buca, PAF, Commander of NOLCOM, reaffirmed the command’s mission focus: “Our troops remain focused and determined. This is part of our relentless pursuit to deny the Communist Terrorist Group any safe haven. We are committed to hit them hard and sustain pressure until peace and security are fully established in the region.”
Buca strongly condemned the CTG’s continued use of IEDs, citing the recovery of 22 such devices and appealed to the public, especially the families of wounded CTG members, to cooperate with authorities and help facilitate the provision of proper medical attention to the wounded. Heavy bloodstains found at the encounter site suggests that several CTG members were wounded during the clashes.
“Aligned with the national directive to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC), NOLCOM is intensifying operations to fully dismantle the ICRC. The command is determined to completely decimate all remaining CTG presence in its Joint Operational Area by the end of the semester,” he added.
NOLCOM directed all operational units to maintain pursuit operations, establish strategic blocking positions, and closely coordinate with the PNP and medical facilities to track and intercept any withdrawing terrorists.
