AFP says 4 NPA leaders killed in Bukidnon

Four individuals the military says were high-ranking leaders of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in a firefight with government troops in Talakag, Bukidnon on April 6.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines identified the fatalities as Carlisio Sumalinog, Jovilito Pontillas, Gary Juliana, and Jelly Sugnot.

Concerned citizens had  notified the military of the presence of some 30 armed individuals consolidating in the area, according to the AFP’s Eastern Mindanao Command.

Seized from the scene were seven M16 rifles, an M203 grenade launcher, two R4 carbines, an M653 rifle, three M1 garand rifles, one AK47 rifle, an M14 rifle, assorted magazines, ammunition, medicines, bandoliers, backpacks, and NPA flags.

Eastmincom chief Lieutenant General Greg Almerol described the operation as a major strike against the terrorist remnants.

“Our troops who are conducting focused military operations, combined with intel units and Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) of the Philippine National Police, immediately responded to the information to secure the area, resulting in almost two hours of firefight that led to the death of the four CTG leaders,” Almerol said. — Mel Matthew Doctor/BM, GMA News