TWO members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed and three high-powered firearms were seized during a Tuesday skirmish with military forces in Agusan del Norte, according to a military report released on Thursday.
The encounter took place at Sitio Calaitan, Brgy Simbalan, Buenavista, on January 16, when the Army’s 23rd Infantry Battalion, operating under the 402nd Infantry Brigade, engaged with members of the NPA’s Platoon 2, SRSDG, Sagay.
Acting on a tip regarding the NPA’s extortion activities, the soldiers of 23IB were swiftly deployed to prevent potential violence. This rapid response led to the confrontation.
The firefight ensued for a brief ten minutes before the NPA members retreated towards the southeast.
The military, assisted by K9 units, pursued the trail of the fleeing insurgents, leading to the discovery of two deceased NPA members.
They were identified as Wewein Binongcasan, also known as Bagwis or Lucas, and Analyn Mondas, known as Talang or Angela.
These individuals belonged to Platoon 2 of the Sub-Regional Sentro de Grabidad (SRSDG) Sagay, under the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).
The operation also led to the confiscation of two M16 rifles and one .30 caliber M1 carbine, along with personal possessions and materials advocating subversion.
Brig. General Adonis Ariel G Orio, the commander of the 402nd Brigade, praised the soldiers for their success.
He highlighted the significance of this achievement in the early part of 2024 and encouraged continued vigilance to protect the people and strive towards an insurgency-free province of Agusan del Norte.
Orio also addressed the remaining NPA insurgents, advocating for peace and reconciliation.
He urged them to reconsider their violent struggle, suggesting that the future should be built on dialogue and peaceful coexistence rather than conflict.
He extended an invitation to the remaining NPA members to lay down their arms and join in the nation-building process.
The general emphasized that the armed forces are allies to those who seek peace and are dedicated to creating a secure environment conducive to the prosperity of all citizens.
The military’s commitment to peace and security remains steadfast, as they continue to encourage insurgents to abandon the path of violence and contribute positively to society.
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