Alleged NPA commander killed in Lanao Sur clash
An alleged high-ranking member of the New People’s Army terrorist (NPA) died in an encounter against government troops in Sitio Narvasa, Brgy. Pinilayan, Tagoloan II, Lanao del Sur over the weekend.
The encounter took place along the boundary of Bukidnon and Lanao de Sur Provinces after government troops of 65th Infantry Stalwart Battalion (65IB) in a forested area near, who were conducting Focused Military Operations in the area, were fired upon by more or less 70 communist guerillas allegedly under Guerilla Front Committee 68.
The firefight, which ensued for about 20 minutes, resulted to the death of a male individual identified as Alias Alan, an alleged commander of the Platoon 2 under the Guerilla Front Committee 68.
On the other hand, a 65IB troop (identity withheld) was slightly hurt when a bullet hit his hand during the firefight. Said personnel was already given proper medication and is in stable condition.
Government troops seized one M16 rifle, one AK-47 rifle, six AK-47 magazines with live ammunitions, 14 backpacks, 27 sacks of rice, medical supplies, and subversive documents with high intelligence value.
“This yet another meaningless death of an NPA terrorist would not have occurred if only they heeded the government’s call for them to surrender and avail of the benefits of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP),” Rabaca said.
Brigadier General Eric Vinoya, Commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade that operationally controls the 65th Infantry Battalion, lauded the troops for the accomplishment.
He also extended his sympathies to the family and relatives of the NPA leader who died.
“I commend the troops of the 65th Infantry Battalion for performing their task in securing the communities within our area of responsibility. However, we would also want to extend our condolences to the family and relatives of the NPA terrorist who died during the encounter. This could not have happened if he was not fed with lies and deceit that forced him to take up arms against the government by the leaders of this terrorist organization,” Vinoya said.
Major General Ronald Villanueva, commander of Army’s 4th Infantry Division said the troops who engaged with the NPA are “battle tested from Western Mindanao”. He warned that the troops will not stop until communities will be cleared from the NPA’s presence.
“These NPAs only have
2 options, either they will stay with the terrorist group, continue believing in the failed armed struggle and die eventually during encounter with our troops or they will lay down their arms and be with their families, especially on Christmas,” Villanueva said.
“The 4th Infantry Division will help surrenderees enroll in the ECLIP where they can be reintegrated back to the society and live a normal life away from chaos, hunger, and fear of dying in an encounter with our troops,” he added.
Meanwhile, troops are still on pursuit operations against the remaining NPA rebels.