TROOPS have recovered a high-powered firearms and war materials following an encounter with the communist terrorist groups (CTGs) in Balingasag, Misamis Oriental on July 6, 2022.

According to the 58th Infantry Battalion (58IB), the clash occurred around 3:30 p.m. in the hinterlands of Barangay San Juan in Balingasag, Misamis Oriental after the troops responded to the information from a concerned citizen regarding the presence of the armed group in their farm land.

The firefight between the government troops and communist rebels lasted 10 minutes.

The 58IB recovered one AK-47 assault rifle, four magazines AK47 with ammo, three magazines M16 with ammo, five bag packs with personal belongings, one rifle grenade, assorted medical paraphernalia, and subversive documents.

Lieutenant Colonel Ricky Canatoy, the commanding officer of the 58IB, said that the encounter is a result of the continued effort and active steps to thwart the CTGs' activities.

"We urge the remaining members of CTGs to lay down their arms and live a peaceful and normal life and refrain from needless life loss. However, our troops will not hesitate and remain vigilant to use force against peace spoilers and other threat groups who will continue to use terrorism," Canatoy added.

He also expressed his gratitude to the residents of Barangay San Juan for the information.

Barangay San Juan, Balingasag is a beneficiary of the P20-million ELCAC Support to Barangay Development Project (SBDP) being cleared from CTG influence.