The Northern Luzon Command (NolCom) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has intensified its security operations in pursuit of the remaining members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Northern Luzon, following a series of armed encounters in the mountains of Kabugao, Apayao.

From 5 to 11 April, troops under Joint Task Force Tala of the Philippine Army’s 5th Infantry Division launched combat operations in Barangay Maragat after concerned residents reported the presence of unidentified armed men terrorizing the community. The security sweep led to a succession of firefights against elements of the Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Committee (ICRC) of the CPP-NPA — the last known CTG unit operating in the region.

During the encounters, government forces recovered a significant cache of weapons and war materiel, including two M16A1 rifles, a Garand rifle, an M203 grenade launcher with three high-explosive rounds, a 9mm pistol, a rifle grenade, 22 improvised explosive devices, mobile phones, handheld radios, subversive documents and various personal belongings.

NolCom Commander Lt. Gen. Fernyl G. Buca, PAF, lauded the efforts of the troops and emphasized the command’s sustained commitment to ending local insurgency.

“Our troops remain focused and determined. This is part of our relentless pursuit to deny the Communist Terrorist Group any safe haven. We are committed to hit them hard and sustain pressure until peace and security are fully established in the region,” Lt. Gen. Buca said.