A New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was killed in a firefight with government troops in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur where he and his comrades were reportedly found extorting from civilians.
The Army’s 401st Infantry Brigade named the slain rebel as Arnel Dator, alias Darwin, a member of the Sub-Regional Sentro de Gravidad Southland, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee.
Troops from the 44th Division Recconnaisance Company were conducting combat operations in Sitio Banal, Barangay Magsaysay in Prosperidad last Tuesday when they clashed with the rebels.
“The operation was initiated in response to reports from concerned residents about CTG (communist terrorist group) activities in the area, including extortion and other disruptive actions affecting local communities,” said 401st Infantry Brigade civil military operations officer Capt. Arc Jayson.
The two sides exchanged fire for about 30 minutes until the insurgents retreated.
The rebels left behind the body of Dator, an M16 rifle, an AR18 rifle, backpacks, a bandolier, and rebel documents which the troops recovered.
401st Infantry Brigade commander Col. Emil Cruz said the brigade remains “steadfast in our mission to protect our communities and ensure a secure environment for progress and development.”
“This successful operation highlights the strong collaboration between security forces and local residents in achieving lasting peace,” Cruz added.
He reiterated the military’s call to the remaining NPA rebels to surrender and live a “peaceful and productive life.”
