11 rebels killed in Surigao del Sur

CAMP BANCASI, Butuan City — Eleven New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were reportedly slain in a series of clashed with the 201st Infantry Brigade (401st IB) in Andap Valley complex in Surigao del Sur.

The armed engagements, which started last May 14, lasted up to Tuesday, May 19, according to Capt. Al Anthony B. Pueblas, chief of the Public Affairs Office of the Fourth Infantry Division (4th ID), which has operational control over 401st IB.

Pueblas said the insurgents were from the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).

“They (rebels) were planning to disrupt government efforts in addressing the COVID19 pandemic, and they were to take advantage of the outbreak as security forces focuses on mitigating the effects of the deadly virus,” Pueblas said.

He said the military was tipped off by tribal communities in the Andap Valley Complex about the large consolidation of ranking NPA leaders and combatants, posturing for an attack.

The military recorded five encounters with the NEMRC forces since May 14.

“Eleven CNTs were killed and undetermined number of other rebels were believed wounded in these series of gunfight,” Pueblas said.

The security operation resulted in the capture of five high powered firearms, two laptops, an overhead projector, flash drives, external hard drives, two anti-personnel mines, hand grenades, bandoleers, assorted live ammunition and magazines, handheld radios, personal belongings, assorted food and medical supplies, and subversive documents with high tactical value.