NPA guerrilla killed, another captured in Bukidnon clash

A COMMUNIST rebel was killed in a clash with Army’s 58th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Silo-o, Malitbog, Bukidnon on Tuesday, a military report said.

Another rebel was also captured and high powered firearms, ammunition and subversive documents seized following the firefight on December 29, said Army’s 4th Infantry Division public affairs chief Major Rodulfo Cordero.

Cordero said soldiers conducted a combat operation after receiving reports from villagers that New People’s Army guerrillas were seen gathered at the vicinity of Malitbog when they chanced upon the armed men at Barangay Silo-o.

58IB commander Lieutenant Colonel Ricky Canatoy said his troops checked on the reported presence of armed groups and chanced upon more or less 20 NPA rebels which resulted in one rebel dead.

Canatoy identified the slain rebel as Leonido Pacheco @ Mcdong and another wounded communist rebel captured identified as Aman Bilayong @ Neri. 

Seized from them were 2 M16 rifles, 1 KG-9, ammunition and subversive documents, according to Canatoy.

Meanwhile, 4ID commander Major General Andres Centino said that the encounter was part of the intensified security operations conducted in Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions. 

Centino said that for December alone, the NPA communist rebels already suffered major losses with 3 of its members dead in encounters, 3 captured, and 20 have surrendered and the recovery of 12 high powered firearms and 17 low powered firearms.

“The people of Northern Mindanao and Caraga can be assured of the Army’s protection so that the communist rebels may not be able to disrupt the peaceful celebration of the yuletide season,” said Centino.

He said the Army remains relentless in their security operations against the rebels.

It can be recalled that President Rodrigo Duterte declared no ceasefire with the CPP-NPA during this yuletide season. (Ben Balce)