Alleged NPA leader killed in Surigao del Sur encounter — military

An alleged leader of the New People's Army (NPA) was killed in an encounter in Surigao del Sur on Thursday, the 10th Infantry Division (10ID) of the Philippine Army said Friday.

The 10ID identified the fatality as Arnold Ornales or "Ka Orlan," who was allegedly a leader of the remnants of the dismantled Guerilla Front 14.

Troops from the 67th Infantry Battalion under the 701st Infantry Brigade had a 20-minute encounter with the rebel group in Barangay Guinhalinan in the town of Barobo. 

The military recovered an M14 rifle, ammunition, other war materiel, and personal belongings. 

"We know that there are still wounded NPA members after the said firefight. You cannot forever hide. The masses are with us, and sooner [or later] they will pinpoint your location," 10ID commander Major General Nolasco Mempin said.

"Surrender now. Do not wait to suffer the same fate [as] Ka Orlan during our pursuit operations." —VBL, GMA News