Press Release

21 January 2012

Army encounters Organize Crime Group resulting to recovery of Improvised landmines and high powered firearms
Mati City, Davao Oriental Two (2) improvised explosives and a high powered firearm with M203 grenade launcher were recovered during the encounter between the government troops and an Organized Crime Group (OCG) in Lupon on 10:35 morning of 21 January 2011 at Sitio Barobo, Brgy San Isidro, Lupon, Davao Oriental. Accordingly, one section under 1Lt Rodel Daguio while heading towards their next outreach program under 10IDs PDOP, encountered more or less 20 fully armed members of organized crime group. No casualty was reported on the government side while undetermined number of casualties due to bloodstain seen on the OCGs route of withdrawal during the 30-minute firefight. Brigadier General Leonido Bongcawil, commander of the 701st Infantry Brigade on his statement mentioned that several reports revealed that the involved OCG has been setting up an assault with continuous use of IED unmindful of the safety of the civilians. To recall last weeks attack of the organized crime group in Sumifru Plantation based in Mawab, CVP resulted six (6) dead OCG members and the recovery of six (6) high powered firearms and ammunitions. The 10th ID will continue to thwart terror attacks such as land mining in order to perform its mandate to serve and protect the people, Bongcawil added. The presence of this organized crime group will not hamper us from pursuing the desire of the government for a lasting peace for the people of Lupon. And we are calling for the people to be watchful especially on the abuses conducted by this crime groups, said Ltc Leopoldo Imbang Jr, commander of the 28IB stationed at Lupon. To recall, the Philippine Army encountered said crime group at least 3 times last year in the Municipality of Lupon alone: On June 26 at Brgy Tagugpo, on June 27 at Brgy Maragatas, and on November 8 at Sitio Kinawasan, Brgy San Isidro all of Lupon. -----END----