CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), through the Philippine Army's 2nd Infantry Battalion, neutralized seven members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) and seized a cache of high-powered firearms during an encounter in Barangay San Mateo, Uson, Masbate, this morning, Sunday, July 27.
At approximately 6:00 AM, government elements engaged remnants of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) operating under KLG South, Sub-Regional Committee 4, Bicol Regional Party Committee (BRPC).
The firefight, which lasted for about 30 minutes, was the result of intensified intelligence-driven focused military operations launched by Joint Task Force Bicolandia under the directive of Major General Aldwine I. Almase, Commander of the 9th Infantry (Spear) Division.
Recovered at the encounter site were four M16 rifles, two M203 grenade launchers, one M14 rifle, one M653 rifle, and one Bushmaster rifle, along with various personal items and subversive documents belonging to the armed group.
This tactical victory delivers a significant setback to the dwindling armed capability of the CPP-NPA-NDF in the Bicol region. The AFP remains steadfast in its mission to dismantle the CTG’s armed apparatus and restore peace and development in conflict-affected communities.
Despite the success of this operation, the AFP reiterates that the use of force is a last resort. The military continues to advocate for peaceful means to end the decades-long insurgency by encouraging remaining NPA members to surrender, avail of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), and reintegrate into mainstream society.///
