via Eunice Samonte
CAMP EVANGELISTA, Patag, Cagayan de Oro City– Two NPAs were captured by the combined AFP and PNP troops during a clash in the outskirts of Purok 8, Brgy Kiburiao, Quezon, Bukidnon early today, August 2, 2017.
Troops responded to a report that a group of NPA bandit is planning to launch atrocities in the area. When they (troops) arrived, an encounter ensued which lasted for about 5 minutes and prompted the NPAs to scamper out of the said community.
Troops in pursuit were able to track down and successfully nab two NPAs namely Ruel Cololot, a bomb and Improvised Explosive Device expert, who claimed to be a member of Anak Pawis Partylist (ID recovered from his possession) and Ramil Cololot, another member of the said NPA terror group operating in Bukidnon.
Troops confiscated from their possession the following items: one (1) 57mm recoilless rifle (an anti-tank weapon), 24 pcs of IEDs, two (2) Cal. 38 revolvers, ten (10) safety fuse, 200 meters detonating cord, five (5) blasting caps, switch boxes, three (3) Laptop computers, fifty one (51) rounds of cal. 30 ammunitions, other IED Paraphernalia, and subversive documents.
Col. Eric C Vinoya, 403rd Infantry Brigade Commander immediately ordered his troop to clear the said area and conduct pursuit operation to the other NPA members.
MGen Benjamin R Madrigal Jr., 4ID Commander congratulated the troops for successfully addressing the situation. He said, “It is my honor to congratulate our troops who proactively addressed the reported enemy plan and pursue the terrorists that is making our people’s lives miserable in that community. With the big number of IEDs recovered, we have saved the lives of people who could have been victims of their landmining activity, which grossly violate the CARHRIHL. This really is a proof that they do not honor their commitments. This victory sends a strong message to all NPAs that people are already fed up with all your lies and atrocities. The reports that we received from the people manifest their anger over your decades of atrocities. Continue your modus and crimes and you will have your place behind bars.”
For his part, General Eduardo M Año, Chief-of-Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines, who is currently giving awards to the wounded soldiers in Camp Evangelista Station Hospital, also extended his congratulatory message to the troops, he said, “Congratulations to our gallant forces for this big accomplishment. You have once again proven to our people that good will always prevail. These arrested NPA members will surely pay for the crimes they’ve committed against the people. Carry on and continue to press the fight for we know that we have the strength and support of our people.”
The arrested NPAs are now in the custody of the PNP for proper facilitation of case. (4th ID, Philippine Army-PR)
