FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – The Commanding General, Philippine Army (CGPA) commends the 3rd Special Forces Battalion (3SFB), 4th Infantry Division led by Lieutenant Colonel Joey Baybayan, Battalion Commander, in its efforts of counteracting CPP-NPA-Terrorists (CNTs) at Barangay San Martin, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur today, April 17, 2020.
Around 6:35 a.m., 3SFB troops while conducting active defense patrol prior to the MSWD's distribution of Social Amelioration Cash encountered around 20 CNTs at Sitio Mikit of the said barangay. The clash resulted to a 30-minute firefight wherein the government troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one M16A1 rifle with attached M203 grenade launcher, 12 backpacks, 5 bandoliers with full assorted ammunitions and commercial radio.
According to civilian reports, the CNTs where planning to conduct extortion to the civilian recipients of the MSWD’s Social Amelioration Cash distribution in the barangay.
“To the 3rd Special Forces Battalion, the Philippine Army recognizes such dedication in preventing the CNTs to cause further mischief to the innocent populace. Continue to stand guard in your area of responsibility in spite the health crisis our country faces. While we do not let our enemies take advantage of this situation, we will also keep on extending service to the people,” said Lt. Gen. Gilbert I. Gapay.#