By LITO RULONA
Correspondent .
A member of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) “sparrow unit” based in Talacogon, Agusan Del Sur has been killed during a shootout with government forces Thursday evening.
Army Captain Aldim T. Viernes, commanding officer of Civic Military Office of the 26th Infantry Battalion of the 4th Infantry Division identified the fatality of Joeboy Mantipala alias Bernabe, 28 of Barangay Marbon, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur.
Mantipala was killed during a gun-running battle along with other members of the rebel unit after trying to avoid pursuing troops in Barangay Marbon. He sustained gunshot wounds to different parts of his body.
Soldiers immediately brought him to Talacogon District Hospital but he was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.
Mantipala was earlier tagged as one of the killers of Felipe Amado, a Cafgu ActiveAuxiliary who was killed in Barangay Lydia, San Luis earlier in the afternoon of May 30.
Amado was off-duty and was participating in the BrigadaEskwela in the said barangay when he was killed by Mantipala’s group.
Up until his death, Mantipala was also the Vice Commanding Officer of Platoon Banglas, Guerilla Front 88 of the NPA’s North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee.
He was positively identified by witnesses prompting Army and PNP units to launch a manhunt operation against him and other rebel forces. He was also tagged as one of the killers of Rubencio Salamoren, Barangay Chairman of Brgy. San Pedro, San Luis.
Salamoren was shot to death on Feb. 27 while driving his motorcycle in Don Alejandro, San Luis.
“We have received reports of the NPA’s plan to attack government personnel including soldiers and policemen. Unfortunately for them, we have the support of the people now that is why we were able to track down Mantipala easily,” said Lt. Col. Romeo Jimenea, Commanding Officer of 26th Infantry Battalion.
Recovered on site was Caliber.45 pistol, two magazines with seven live ammunition and a Honda Motorcycle.
Jimenea condoled with Mantipala’s family. He said they tried to save him and bring him to the bars of justice. “Sana sumuko nalang siya ng maayos. He could have surrendered and had the chance to live with his family but he made the wrong decision,” Jimenea added.
Col. Allan Hambala, 401st Brigade Commander expressed his contentment to 26IBfor its swift and decisive action against Bernabe’s group.
“This should serve as a warning to CPP-NPA terrorists who still choose a life of violence. We will come and get you.,” Hambala said.
Disclaimer
Mindanao Gold Star Daily holds the copyrights of all articles and photos in perpetuity. Any unauthorized reproduction in any platform, electronic and hardcopy, shall be liable for copyright infringement under the Intellectual Property Rights Law of the Philippines.
