CNT leader killed while other members surrendered, arms and ammo recovered
LEGAZPI CITY (PIA)— The Philippine Army (PA) in Bicol engaged in two (2) armed confrontations in separate provinces in Bicol in a span of 6 days.
The recent encounter occurred at the borders of Barangays Baang and Bagacay, both in Mobo, Masbate on Thursday, July 20. Elements of 2nd Infantry Battalion responded to a tip off from local residents regarding armed individuals wandering around the area.
Upon checking, government forces found over 15 Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) members, leading to a 20-minute firefight. Unable to withstand the relentless effort of the troops, the latter fled and scampered in the southeast direction.
Recovered at the encounter site were two (2) M16 rifles, six (6) backpacks, four (4) sling bags, 11 cellular phones, one (1) handheld radio, one (1) flash drive, two (2) power banks, and five (5) solar panels.
The fleeing members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) members also abandoned five (5) bandoliers, 16 short magazines, 16 long magazines and 12 – 40mm High Explosive Ammunitions (HEA) for M203 grenade launchers.
Photo credits: 9ID DPAO, Philippine Army (PA)
In a press statement, Division Public Affair Office (DPAO) stated that the retreating CTG members belong to the KLG 2, SRC 4 groups.
Five days prior to the Mobo encounter, Fernando Dialogo alyas Karen/Jepoy/Enkar of Platoon 1, KLG1, SRC1, BRPC, one of the CNT leaders, was killed at Barangay Boton, Casiguran, Sorsogon on Saturday, June 15 when joint forces of 31st Infantry Battalion and PNP Sorsogon acted on information from the villagers regarding the presence of armed men.
Lifeless body of Fernando Dialogo alyas Karen/Jepoy/Enkar of Platoon 1, KLG1, SRC1, BRPC, one of the CNT leaders, who was killed at Barangay Boton, Casiguran, Sorsogon following an encounter with the elements of the 31st IB, Saturday, June 15, 2023. (Photo credits: 9ID DPAO, Philippine Army)
In a press statement, DPAO confirmed that Dialogo’s group has been staying in the area for several days, instilling fear and causing anguish to the local residents.
Having seemingly reached their breaking point, the residents opted to report them to the nearest battalion. Upon confirmation, a 20-firefight ensued at around 7:30 am, resulting in Dialogo’s demise, while others tried to evade the advancing government troops.
Yet after a few hours, four (4) of them, voluntarily surrendered at Sitio Marinas, 500 meters away from the encounter site. They also surrendered three (3) M16 rifles, one (1) M203 grenade launched, ammunition and magazines.
Joint Task Force Bicolandia and 9th Infantry SPEAR Division Commander Major General Adonis Bajao commended the swift response taken by the Army and PNP personnel stationed in their respective provinces. He also extended his deep appreciation for the cooperation and involvement of the community to end the local armed conflict.
He also praised and expressed his gratitude to the CTG members who surrendered for their brave decision to relinquish their arms and return to the folds of the law. He said that this small step is a big leap towards the attainment of peace in the countryside.
Bajao reiterated his call to the remaining CTG members to accept the government’s programs and reintegrate into the society. He expressed his utter dismay that the CNTs continued to show insensitivity to the plea of the people who are being used and manipulated.
CTG members, he said, remained oblivious to the perils posed by explosives to innocent civilians. (With reports from 9ID, DPAO-PIA 5)
