Insurgent leader, aide killed
Brig. Gen. Pedro Balisi Jr., commander of the 1st Mechanized Infantry (Maasahan) Brigade disclosed that soldiers have first stumbled on an NPA camp in the area that was left abandoned a week ago
ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Joint Task Force-Central on Thursday revealed that an individual believed to be a senior leader of the New People’s Army and his aide died during a 10-minute clash with government troops at Maitum town in Sarangani Province
JTF-C commander Maj. Gen. Roy Galido said the soldiers were conducting a Focused Military Operations in Barangay New La Union, Maitum, Sarangani Province when they chance upon the two NPA insurgents on Wednesday.
Galido said that the fatalities were Arnold Laugo Amad alias Kempee Maguan and Bambam, who is also the 2nd deputy secretary of the Guerrilla Front Musa of the Far South Mindanao Region and his close aide identified only as alias Saysay.
According to Lt. Col. Rey Rico, commander of the 34th Infantry (Reliable) Battalion, the encounter lasted for about 10 minutes in Barangay New La Union which resulted in the death of Amad and Saysay.
“Our army encountered a group of one Anthony Narvasa alias Magaw, Omar and Nomad who is a Secretary of GF MUSA, FSMR. The NPA terrorist immediately fled and left Amad and Saysay behind,” Rico said.
The troops also recovered a .45 caliber pistol from the scene.
Meantime, Brig. Gen. Pedro Balisi Jr., commander of the 1st Mechanized Infantry (Maasahan) Brigade disclosed that soldiers have first stumbled on an NPA camp in the area that was left abandoned a week ago.
“While we were conducting an operation, our soldiers spotted their camp that they abandoned just over a week ago in Barangay New La Union, Maitum, Sarangani Province,” Balisi said.
Galido has again called on the remaining NPA members to surrender peacefully and avail of the government peace programs and services.
“We urge the remaining NPA insurgents to peacefully surrender as government programs and services are available to them,” Galido said.