NPA leader killed in Bukidnon clash

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – A high-ranking leader of the New People's Army (NPA) died in an encounter against government troops of 65th Infantry Stalwart Battalion (65IB) in a forested area near Sitio Narvasa, Brgy. Pinilayan, Tagoloan II, Lanao del Sur, Sunday.

The encounter took place along the boundary of Bukidnon and Lanao de Sur provinces after government troops, who were conducting focused military operations in the area, were fired upon by more or less 70 rebels believed to be under the NPA's guerilla front committee 68.

The firefight, which ensued for about 20 minutes, resulted in the killing of alias Alan, a leader of the rebels operating in the area. Government troops seized one M16 rifle, one AK-47 rifle, six AK-47 magazines with live ammunition 14 backpacks, 27 sacks of rice, medical supplies, and subversive documents with high intelligence value.

“This yet another meaningless death of a NPA terrorist would not have occurred if only they heeded the government’s call for them to surrender and avail of the benefits of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP),"  Lieutenant Colonel Richard Labaca, head of the 65th IB, said.

Brigadier General Eric Vinoya, commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade that operationally controls the 65IB, lauded the troops for performing their task that contributed to the accomplishment of the brigade’s mission. He also extended his sympathies to the family and relatives of the rebel leader who died.

“I commend the troops of the 65th Infantry Battalion for performing their task in securing the communities within our area of responsibility. However, we would also want to extend our condolences to the family and relatives of the NPA terrorist who died during the encounter. This could not have happened if he was not fed with lies and deceit that forced him to take up arms against the government by the leaders of this terrorist organization.” Vinoya said.

On the other hand, a member of the 65IB troop, who was not identified, was slightly hurt when a bullet hit his hand during the firefight. 

“The troops that were engaged with the NPA terrorists are battle tested from Western Mindanao. Definitely, our troops will not stop until communities in our area will be freed from NPA terrorists’ harassment and intimidation," Major General Ronald Villanueva, commander of Army’s 4th Infantry Division said. — LDF, GMA News