Philippine News Agency • May 20, 2020
NPA combatant killed in Surigao Sur firefight
NPA FIGHTER KILLED. An unidentified New People’s Army combatant is killed in an encounter Monday (May 18) in Sitio Kiskis, Barangay Siagao, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur. Government troops recovered two AK47 rifles, two improvised explosive devices (IEDs), various war materiel, and medical supplies following the 45-minute firefight. (Photo courtesy of 402Bde)
BUTUAN CITY – A communist New People’s Army (NPA) combatant was killed during a pre-dawn clash with government troops belonging to the 36th Infantry Battalion on Monday (May 18) in the Surigao del Sur town of San Miguel.
In a statement Tuesday (May 18), Major Francisco Garello, the civil-military operations officer of the Army's 402nd Infantry Brigade (402Bde), said the armed encounter took place in the remote area of Sitio Kiskis, Barangay Siagao, San Miguel.
“The 36IB troopers encountered around 30 CNTs (communist NPA terrorists). The clash lasted for about 45 minutes,” Garello said, adding the troops also recovered two AK47 rifles, two improvised explosive devices (IEDs), various war materiel, and medical supplies.
Brig. Gen. Maurito Licudine, 402Bde commander, assured Caraga Region residents Tuesday the Army "will not rest until the NPA rebels are destroyed".
“They either surrender peacefully or they will be annihilated. People are on alert and are informing us of their whereabouts. They have nowhere to hide,” Licudine said.
He added that Surigao del Sur residents are volunteering vital information to track down the escaping NPA rebels.
Meanwhile, Capt. Jonald Romorosa, 36IB civil-military operations officer, told the Philippine News Agency Tuesday that the NPA rebels involved in the recent encounter belong to the NPA's "weakened" Guerilla Front-30 led by a certain Joel Maca Mahinay.
Aside from the high-power firearms, landmines, and ammunition, Romorosa said government troops also recovered several subversive documents with high intelligence value.
Lt. Col. Jezreel Diagmel, 36Ib commander, said he believes the presence of the NPA rebels in the hinterlands of San Miguel town was a diversionary tactic aimed at disrupting the continuing pursuit operations of the Army after the May 11 encounter in Cantilan town.
“With the information provided by the local residents on the presence of these armed men, the Army is able to conduct military operation and successfully foiled their plans,” Diagmel said.
“We also commend the courageous and brave move of the residents by providing information and denouncing the presence of the CNTs in their respective communities,” he added.
Romorosa said that the cadaver of the NPA member killed during the encounter was turned over to the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the local government for identification and proper disposition. (PNA)
