2 killed, 2 Firearms recovered from Communist Terrorist during clash with troops in Zamboanga Sibugay

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (May 15, 2017) - Troops under the Joint Task Force Zampelan led by Brigadier General Rolly Bautista, encountered an estimated thirty (30) Communist Terrorists at 5pm on Saturday (May 13) at Sitio Malagak, Brgy Guinoman, Diplahan, in the nearby province of Zamboanga Sibugay, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) Information Officer Cpt Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that soldiers of the 44th Infantry Battalion engaged in a firefight against CTs under SECOM Feliciano Bravo, of the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee. Two (2) identified leaders of the CTs were a.k.a Tibo and a.k.a Henry who led their members in a firefight.

Cpt. Petinglay said that upon clearing the engagement area, soldiers found two (2) dead CTs and were able to recover two (2) high-powered firearms, one (1) AK47 and one (1) M16 rifle. Soldiers also saw bloodstains in the area and on the route of the enemy withdrawal.

Meanwhile, two local civilian volunteers operating with the soldiers were wounded during the firefight.

As of this report, troops from 44IB are conducting pursuit and blocking positions in the immediate vicinity of the encounter area.

“This is a positive result of the military’s continued engagements with the local populace and LGUs. The shared commitment of attaining peace with local authorities resulted to strong cooperation of the communities to report the presence of NPA members at Sitio Malagak,” said Brig. Gen. Rolly Bautista, Commander of the Joint Task Force Zampelan and concurrent Commander of the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army.

“The NPA terrorists under the SECOM Feliciano Bravo of Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee were involved in numerous atrocities committed particularly arson, extortions, killings and abductions.

In this regard, there will be no let up of operations against these bandits in order to protect the people and the communities,” Brig. Gen. Bautista said.

Meanwhile, the marines were also able to encounter CTs in the mountains of Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat Province, Cpt. Petinglay added.

Cpt. Petinglay said that during the clearing operations, troops of MBLT2 were able to recover one (1) M16 and four (4) Improvised Explosive Devices.

"I would like to congratulate the troops of the Joint Task Force Zampelan and the Joint Task Force Central for the laudable accomplishments," says Lieutenant General Carlito G Galvez, Jr, Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

"We would also like to recognize the overwhelming support received from the local government units and the communities. Truly, without these assistance, we will not be able to accomplish our mission easily."

 "As long as we are together in this fight, we are sure to win over any kinds of threat that hinders communities to be peaceful and progressive," LTGen Galvez adds.