By Jun Enriquez
(Updated July 11, 2020)
(Updated July 11, 2020)
Iligan City – Based on the press release by the 2nd mechanized infantry "Magbalantay" brigade, Philipine Army, Ma. Cristina, Iligan City posted in facebook, that on Saturday last week, June 27, 2020, Troops of the 4th Mechanized Infantry
Battalion and the 14th Reconnaisance Company, Philippine Army, engaged elements
of the new people’s Army (NPA) Communist Terrorist Group in an intense
firefight in the hinterland Barangay Kalilangan, Iligan City, the place of the
indigenous peoples (IPs) lived time immemorial.
A day after the firefight, troops recovered a
cadaver, believed to be an NPA member who was left behind by his retreating comrades. Also
recovered was an AK47 assault rifle with seven magazines and ammunitions and
several molotovs or poor man’s grenade and left booby traps to inflict
casualties not only military personnel but also civilians and animals that will
pass the area. The NPA fatality was part of the group that attacked a Civilian Armed Auxillary (CAA)
Patrol Base in Barangay Kalilangan on June 26, 2020 where two CAA members were
seriously wounded.
Ltc Domingo Dulay Jr, commander of 4th Mechanized Infantry
Battalion said that the information was provided by the local residents. The
troops were able to successfully conduct the pursuit operation following the
harassment of the CAA Patrol Base.
Dulay said the two-hour firefight last Saturday also
resulted to the death of Pfc Ceeday Ang-ang of 4th Mechanized Battalion and wounding of another
army personnel.
BGen Facundo Palafox IV, Commander of the 2nd
Mechanized Infantry Brigade based in Iligan City, said that the AFP will
continue to go after these communist-terrorists using its full might and
execute its mandate to protect the people.
“I give my salute to the late PFC Ang-ang for his
ultimate sacrifice. He shall forever be remembered. I also send my deepest
condolences to the bereaved family. I commend the courageous residents of
Kalilangan for their timely information and encourage them to remain vigilant
and report presence of armed rebels in the area.” said Palafox.
The remains of the NPA member killed during the encounter
was turned over to the local government of Iligan City for identification and
proper disposition.
Palafox said additional troops were deployed to
pursue the fleeing rebels in order to ensure the safety of the indigenous
community in the said barangay.
Palafox once again calling all members of the NPA to
surrender and stop these senseless violent activities. “You all have been
deceived but the government is willing to help rebuild your lives through the
Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP). Let us all give peace a chance and live
peacefully," added Palafox.
In another development, a Tribal leader of the Higaonon tribe of the Indigenous People in Kalilangan said that some of tribal families were evacuated to the nearby Barangay Dulag. The presence of the Military in Kalilangan still there to protect the community and prevent another round of attack by the NPAs. The evacuees IPs community is now gradually coming back to Kalilangan to harvest their agricultural products such as corn, abaca, root crops, among others for their living. However, due to the recent firefighting the IPs community in Kalilangan is now struggling for survival that needs the help of the government and private sector because they cannot till their lands for another crops production due to the conflict.
There were 39 families from the mountainous areas going down and transferred their residences to Barangay Poblacion for safety purposes. they temporarily settled in a school building while constructing their new houses with the help of the community and concerned individuals donated construction materials. They will also welcome more donations from other individuals or groups. The Barangay Council and Tribal Council are united to promote peace by holding peace dialogues with the community in Kalilangan. (With reports from 2nd Mech Bde Press Statement)
In another development, a Tribal leader of the Higaonon tribe of the Indigenous People in Kalilangan said that some of tribal families were evacuated to the nearby Barangay Dulag. The presence of the Military in Kalilangan still there to protect the community and prevent another round of attack by the NPAs. The evacuees IPs community is now gradually coming back to Kalilangan to harvest their agricultural products such as corn, abaca, root crops, among others for their living. However, due to the recent firefighting the IPs community in Kalilangan is now struggling for survival that needs the help of the government and private sector because they cannot till their lands for another crops production due to the conflict.
There were 39 families from the mountainous areas going down and transferred their residences to Barangay Poblacion for safety purposes. they temporarily settled in a school building while constructing their new houses with the help of the community and concerned individuals donated construction materials. They will also welcome more donations from other individuals or groups. The Barangay Council and Tribal Council are united to promote peace by holding peace dialogues with the community in Kalilangan. (With reports from 2nd Mech Bde Press Statement)
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