A HIGH-RANKING member of the New People’s Army (NPA), tagged as an extortionist and responsible for burning of heavy equipment in Valencia City was killed during an armed encounter in Cabanglasan, Bukidnon yesterday (Saturday) morning, an Army official said today.
“The slain NPA rebel is the one responsible for burning 2 heavy equipment in Valencia City,” said Army’s 4th Infantry Division public affairs chief Major Rodulfo Cordero.
Cordero said the encounter came after a heavily armed group was sighted in a remote area of Barangay Mandahikan, in Cabanglasan, Bukidnon.
Cordero said the slain rebel was later identified by his former comrades as alias "Daligas", a squad leader who belong to the Guerilla Front Malayag.
“Daligas’ NPA unit burnt a dump truck and a pay loader at a quarry site in Barangay Sinabuagan, Valencia City,” Cordero said.
Seized along with the dead NPA terrorist, were one1 M16 Rifle and a bandoleer containing 4 magazines, 8 cellular phones, several medical supplies, subversive documents, and personal belongings left by the fleeing NPA members.
“No casualty was reported on the government side,” said Cordero.
the troops also discovered an abandoned terrorist hideout that can accommodate 30 persons near the encounter site, he said.
Army’s 88th Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Col Franklin F Fabic said the clash came after his troops encountered a group of 15 NPA members.
Fabic said this led to a firefight that lasted about 10 minutes. After the armed group fled leaving behind their belongings and the cadaver of Daligas.
Fabic also said that the troops are conducting a pursuit operation against the fleeing members of the group as of yesterday.
“We commend the people of Barangay Mandahican for their cooperation and information they shared to our soldiers that led to this successful operation,” said Fabic.
Fabic said it only showed that the strong support of local communities to the efforts of the government in ending the local communist armed conflict in the area.
Meanwhile, 4ID commander Major General Andres C. Centino underscored that the real intent of the NPAs is to extort money from business firms in order to sustain their forces.
“These bandits burned equipment to threaten business owners to give in to their demands,” said Centino, adding that extortion is their lifeblood.
If these activities are stopped they will never be able sustain their forces, they will be forced to surrender that will eventually lead to their defeat, according to Centino.
“Soldiers will not stop running after these bandits until their extortion activities are stopped and they can no longer threaten our people,” assured Centino.
Centino said is to protect the people, so they can peacefully and productively live in their homes together with their families.
The NPA is listed as terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (Ben Balce)
