Communist terrorist killed, high-powered firearms seized in Lanao del Sur

PAGADIAN CITY (Feb. 22, 2021) - Following an armed confrontation with elements of the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan, the Communist Terrorist Group suffered the loss of a member and several war materials including four high-powered firearms on Saturday afternoon (February 20, 2021).

Western Mindanao Command Chief Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr. said the operating troops of the 5th Infantry Battalion under the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan were conducting combat clearing operations when they encountered an undetermined number of communist terrorists in Barangay Ragayan, Maguing, Lanao del Sur at around 4:30 p.m., the same day.

Said exchange of gunfire lasted shortly, after which the militants withdrew.

“Our troops scoured the encounter site and recovered one enemy cadaver; four high-powered firearms consisting of two M16 rifles and two M79 Grenade Launchers; one low-powered firearm; and several other war materials including one hand grenade, one bandoleer, ten magazines with ammunition, 22 rounds of ammunition for M203; and five combat packs with personal belongings,” said Lt. Col. Romulus Rabara, Commanding Officer of the 5IB.

Lt. Col. Rabara further stated that the soldiers also saw bloodstains in the area and on the enemy withdrawal route which show the numerous casualties incurred by the group.

“I would like to congratulate the troops of the 5th Infantry Battalion for this laudable accomplishment,” said Brig. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo II, Commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade.

As of this report, pursuit and blockade are being conducted by the troops to thwart the extrication of the terrorists.

"The Joint Task Force ZamPeLan will continue to conduct focused military operations, maximize intelligence monitoring, and intensify our whole-of-nation approach to convince those who are still confused to lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law, with the assistance of our partners, the local government, and the civilians in the Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces," said Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, Commander of the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan.

Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. said, the Western Mindanao Command through all of its joint task forces will exhaust all means to disallow the remaining terrorists to thrive in the communities and continue doing their horrendous activities.

“We urge all peace-loving citizens to be one with us in this fight for as long as we are together, we will surely win over the threat groups that hinder the peace and progress in the communities,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. added.

The identity of the slain terrorist is yet to be verified.

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