OPERATING troops of the 3rd Infantry “Spearhead” Division (3ID) and their police counterparts captured a ranking leader and notorious extortionist of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in a joint operatio in Sitio Siwalang, Barangay Tapulang, Maayon, Capiz on June 25, 2024.
56-year-old Francisco Balois, also known as Tonying, who served as the Squad Leader of Squad 2 of Madia-as Dos, Central Front, Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay (CF, KR-P), was nabbed by the joint elements of the 12th Infantry Battalion (12IB) and 82nd Infantry Battalion (82IB) and Maayon and Cuartero PNP. Army and police operatives captured an M16 rifle, a .45 caliber pistol, a hand grenade, magazines for M16 and 45 caliber pistol, ammunitions, a handheld radio, and assorted medicines from Balaois during the operation.
The Army leadership lauded the 12IB and 82IB troopers for their commitment to attain peace and development in Panay Island. Meanwhile, the 3ID leadership called on remaining CTG members to lay down their arms and avail of the government’s reintegration program for surrendered rebels.
Editor’s Note: This article has been sourced from the Philippine Army Facebook Page.
