901st INFANTRY (FIGHT ’EM) BRIGADE
PLACER, Surigao del Norte – The 901st Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army has been actively conducting relentless combat operations in the region targeting the members of the Communist Terrorist Group’s (CTGs) Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) at the hinterlands of the boundaries of Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur which aimed to defeat the CTGs and free these provinces from CTG terroristic activities. The recent surge of armed engagements has seen a total of six (6) encounters unfold in less than a month’s time.
These operations have resulted in the neutralization of three (3) Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) and the capture of four (4) high-powered firearms, several ammunitions, explosives, and other personal belongings as the 901st Brigade and its Operationally Controlled (OpCon) units continue their relentless pursuit of the terrorists.
The first encounter transpired on March 25 in Brgy. Bitaugan, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, resulting in one (1) CNT killed and the recovery of one (1) M16 rifle. After a week on April 1, another encounter transpired at the same barangay, which resulted in the capture of one (1) M16 rifle, medical paraphernalia, and other personal belongings. Though the CTGs tried to avoid the combat operations and moved towards the mountains of Brgy. Kolambugan, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur, the troops however, intercepted them, where another encounter transpired on April 17. After which, the troops were able to hit them twice on the day of April 19 at Brgy. Kolambugan, resulting in one (1) CNT killed and capture of one (1) VZ58 (7.62mm) rifle, magazines, and ammunition. The next day on April 20, another significant blow was suffered by the CTGs, where the most recent encounter happened, resulting in the neutralization of another one (1) CNT and the capture of one (1) AK47 rifle.
Brigadier General Arsenio Sadural, Brigade Commander, lauds the troops for their excellent performance and dedication to duty, and risking their lives to protect the populace. He is very determined that through these efforts, the remaining CTGs will be dismantled and their influence to the communities will be totally eradicated, gearing towards a more peaceful and secure region.
