Gov’t forces neutralize 3 communist terrorists in an encounter in ZDS

PAGADIAN CITY (April 22, 2021) - Two communist terrorists were killed while another was apprehended in an encounter in Zamboanga del Sur Thursday morning.

According to WestMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., elements of the 53rd Infantry Battalion, Tigbao Municipal Police Station, and the intelligence operatives conducted a joint law enforcement operation and service of warrants of arrest against six remnants of the communist terrorist group’s Main Regional Guerilla Unit in Barangay Guinlin, Tigbao, Zamboanga del Sur at around 5 a.m., April 22, 2021.

While approaching the target’s location, the terrorists opened fire which forced the operating troops to retaliate. 

“A firefight ensued which resulted in the deaths of two terrorists and the apprehension of another,” said Lt. Col. Jo-Ar Herrera, Commanding Officer of the 53IB.

Based on the initial investigation, the killed enemies were identified as Felimon Suazo, a.k.a. Jonathan Cruz/Nathan and James Cordero, a.k.a.

James/Tito; while the apprehended personality was identified as Elvie Doctor, a.k.a. Bangkat/Nanang.

“Nathan is an executive committee member of the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee, Political Instructor (PI)/Finance, and at the

same time member of squad 1 of the defunct Main Regional Guerilla Unit. Sometime in 2009, Nathan was one of the cadres who came from

Davao together with Aprecia Alvarez Rosete, a.k.a. Bambam (the current secretary of the WMRPC) to reinforce the dwindling strength and assist the recovery efforts of the group at that time,” said Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas, Commander of the 102nd Infantry Brigade.

“He has existing warrants of arrest for multiple frustrated homicides, four counts of attempted murder and theft,” Brig. Gen. Nicolas added. 

Meanwhile, James is a member of the MRGU Squad 1 while Nanang is an ExeCom member of WMRPC and Political Instructor of the defunct MRGU. She was the Staff Propagandist of WMRPC in 2019 and has warrants of arrest for murder and murder with direct assaults.

Joint Task Force ZamPeLan Commander Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio said troops are currently conducting clearing and pursuit operations in the area.

“We are pressing on the remaining members of the defunct guerilla unit to prevent their possible reorganization and to sustain the peace and stability in the area,” said Maj. Gen. Ponio.

While scouring the area, troops recovered one M16 attached with M203 Grenade Launcher, one 9mm pistol, one cal. 45 pistol, four 40mm ammunition, four magazines of M16 loaded with 75 rounds of ammunition, and CTG propaganda materials.

“I commend the troops of the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan for their numerous accomplishments,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.

“I also urge everyone to continuously help and support your Armed Forces in the fight against terrorism here in Mindanao,” the commander added

From January 2021 to date, JTF ZamPeLan neutralized a total of 51 Communist Terrorist Group members, four of which were killed, 42 surrendered, and five were apprehended. (By JONG CADION with reports and photos from WestMinCom-PIO)

Click link below to read article……                                    https://frontlinemindanaobalita.blogspot.com/2021/04/govt-forces-neutralize-3-communist.html