Kate Dayawan
COTABATO CITY — Four suspected members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) were killed in a law enforcement operation launched by the 5th Special Forces Battalion with the Philippine National Police in Sitio Limite, Upper Maculan, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato on Friday, April 8, 2022. Authorities identified the four suspects as alias Jenrose; Hadi, the second Deputy Secretary of Guerilla Front MUSA of the Far South Mindanao Region; Butod, a supply officer; alias Rex and alias Nomer, who are both members of the Militia Unit. Reports from the Army’s 6th Infantry Division revealed that the suspects were riding two motorcycles when the 5th SF Battalion stopped them at a checkpoint. However, the suspects allegedly fired at the security forces, which led to a ten-minute clash and resulted in the death of the four suspects. Recovered from the encounter site were four (4) Caliber .45 pistols, three (3) Improvised Explosive Devices, and some communication equipment. According to Major General Juvymax Uy, Commander of the Joint Task Force Central and 6th Infantry Division, the four individuals were allegedly extorting money in the area. They have also been under surveillance by the authorities for a long time. Meanwhile, MGen Uy lauded the efforts of the 5th SF Battalion, the PNP, the local government of Lake Sebu and the residents for their continued support to end any extortion by the CTG in their area. The general appealed to the remaining members of the CTG in South and Central Mindanao to surrender and start accepting programs that the government provides for them to start a new life of peace and prosperity.