Recognizing Army’s Efforts: ZamboSur Commends 53rd IB for outstanding Army Operations

The Provincial Government of Zamboanga del Sur headed by its Gov. Victor J. Yu highly commends the Army’s 53rd Infantry “Matapat” Battalion (53IB) for a successful army operation for the capture of various firearms against the Communist-Terrorist Groups (CTGs) operating in the province of Zamboanga del Sur.

The accomplishment report, as the basis of Resolution 811-2020, was rendered by Hon. John Regala, the Chairman of the Committee on Fire, Public Safety, and Peace and Order of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Zamboanga del Sur.

The 53rd IB, in its 9 encounters with the CTGs in connection with the conduct of military operations from May 6 to July 21, 2020, was able to recover and seize 14 assorted firearms.

The Troops were also able to capture 25 Communist-NPA Terrorist hideouts in the troops’ pursuit of peace, mostly attributed to the tip-off and resiliency of communities against the NPA terrorists.

53rd IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera thanked the Provincial Government of Zamboanga del Sur for the said recognition, saying that this will serve as an inspiration to all the Matapat Troopers.

Board Member John Regala in his statement also said that 53rd IB’s outstanding conduct Army operations contributed immensely to the overall peace situation in the province.

“In their excellent and outstanding conduct of Army operations, with the seizure of high-powered firearms and capture of enemy hideouts, the 53rd IB prevented the NPA [terrorists] from committing atrocities targeting innocent civilians and vulnerable communities,” said BM Regala.

The successful capture and seizure of said firearms on different occasions, along with the captured enemy hideouts, ensured the security of the people of Zamboanga del Sur, a feat that, as per Resolution 811-2020, is truly worthy of commendation.