FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – Following a tip-off from residents of Barangay Galintuja, Maria Aurora, soldiers from the 91st Infantry (Sinagtala) Battalion, Philippine Army, supported by the Tactical Control Unit from the 84th Infantry (Victorious) Battalion, Philippine Army, engaged in an armed encounter with remnants of the dismantled Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) on Friday, March 22.
Major General Andrew D. Costelo PA, Commander of the 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, Philippine Army, stated that the CTG members were attempting to recover in the boundary Barangays of Maria Aurora and Nueva Vizcaya when the community reported their presence.
Acting swiftly on the information, soldiers led by 2LT Karl Angelou A. Buquida engaged in a 30-minute armed encounter, resulting in no reported casualties on the government side. The extent of casualties on the enemy’s side is still being determined.
Recovered items include two short magazines of M16 rifle, 24 rounds of ammunition for M203 Grenade Launcher, 143 rounds of M16 ammunition, 110 rounds of ammunition for M14 rifle, 1 pair of rifle handguard, a rifle dust cover of M16, alongside personal belongings, medical items, and subversive documents.
MGen. Costelo emphasized that the CTGs were attempting to regain support from the populace through extortion and exploitation, but the encounter signifies the community’s rejection of their deceptive tactics. He ordered troops to conduct hot-pursuit operations in the coming days to prevent further CTG recovery efforts.
He also thanked the peace-loving communities in Maria Aurora for their trust and encouraged continuous reporting of CTG presence.
