Suspected communist rebel killed in encounter in Agusan del Sur —PH Army

A suspected communist rebel was killed in an encounter with government troops in Agusan del Sur on Tuesday, March 4, the Philippine Army 4th Infantry Division (4ID) said Sunday.

The fatality was identified by the military as Arnel Dator alias Darwin, said to be a member of the Sub-Regional Sentro De Gravidad Southland (SRSDG-SL) of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).

He was killed when troops from the 4th Division Reconnaissance Company of 4ID engaged rebel group members in a firefight that lasted for 30 minutes in Sitio Banal in Barangay Magsaysay in the municipality of Prosperidad, the PA 4ID said in a press release.

Troops recovered firearms, subversive documents, and other items which were turned over to authorities for investigation.

The March 4 firefight came a day after another firefight occurred between government troops and suspected communist members in Barangay Tubigon, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur.

The said firefight was between members of the Philippine Army's 65IB and 15 rebels.

The military said its troops were able to retrieve firearms, cellphone, and other items after the gunfight.

Bukidnon

Meanwhile, a communist rebel surrendered to the military in Bukidnon, facilitated by the 8th Infantry Battalion, the PA 4ID also said.

Boyang Lailay, also known as Boyaks or Doydoy, said to be the vice commander of the Sub-Regional Operations Command of Sub-Regional Committee 2 (SROC, SRC-5), surrendered on March 1 in the municipality of Impasug-ong.

He also surrendered 10 high-powered firearms, including an M60 machine gun and nine M16 rifles, the PA 4ID said.

Three former members of Guerilla Front 88 from SRC, NCRMC also surrendered to the 8th IB, turning over their firearms to the military as well.

The PA 4ID also said seven communist members also surrendered to the military in separate instances in Carmen, Surigao del Sur; Bayugan, Agusan del Sur; and Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte, turning over their rifles and other weapons as well. The surrenderees were identified by the military as Chrytal Malaya Sagbigsal, Jerry Orvoc Manliguis, Militia ng Bayan members Gilbert Quiñonez Azarcon and Vangelyn Alimbuyong, as well as Marjun Tumambad Gubay, Firmin Villatura Iligan and Rodel Enano Hidi.

In February, Myrna Sularte alias Maria Malaya, an alleged top leader of the New People's Army (NPA), was killed in an armed encounter with troops in  the mountainous area of Sitio Tagulahi, Barangay Pianing, Butuan City in Agusan del Norte.

The PA said two other rebel officers, Larry Garcia, alias Joven, the commanding officer of RSDG, NEMRC, and his vice commanding officer, alias Gaga/Garing, were also neutralized by the 4ID.

"The deaths of key leaders within the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) have weakened their ranks, prompting more members to abandon their lost cause. Therefore, to those who remain, I urge you to surrender now. Lay down your arms and choose peace. The 4th Infantry Division (4ID) is prepared to assist you in reintegrating, reuniting with your families, and rebuilding your future," Major General Michele Anayron Jr., 4ID commander, said. —KG, GMA Integrated News