FOUR New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, including a leader, were killed in clashes with government troops in Surigao del Norte and Eastern Samar on Sunday, the military reported.
Three of the rebels were slain in skirmishes with troops from the Army’s 30th Infantry Battalion (IB), 901st Brigade and intelligence units in Barangay Bugas-Bugas in Placer town in Surigao del Norte, the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (ID) said.
One of the rebels was identified as Roderick Maco Bensing, alias Rodel, who was described by the military as an NPA “top leader in Caraga.”
Two other rebels died in the fighting, including Liezl Dagohoy Mondejar, a female rebel who was brought to a hospital but later died “due to critical injuries.”
The military said the fighting “successfully frustrated a desperate recovery attempt by the NPA to regain a foothold in Surigao del Norte, a province already declared insurgency-free.”
“Their failure once again highlights the resilience and commitment of the local communities and security forces in preserving peace and order in the area,” the 4th ID said in a statement.
30th IB commander Lt. Col. Albert Batingga said the incident “is a clear sign that their strength is crumbling.”
“We urge those who are still in hiding to make the right choice now, before it’s too late. Lay down your arms, return to your families, and help rebuild the very communities that have long suffered from this senseless violence,” said Batingga.
901st Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Arsenio Sadural said the operation “sends a clear message to the remaining NPA members that the government’s security forces are relentless and capable.”
“We will continue our focused military operations to ensure lasting peace and stability in Surigao del Norte and the entire Caraga region,” said Sadural.
The fourth NPA rebel died in a similar clash with troops from the Army’s 63rd Infantry Battalion in Sitio Bagong Bario, Barangay Pinanag-an, Borongan City in Eastern Samar.
The 8th ID named the slain rebel as Jomar Discar, who carries the aliases Guimo and Bobby, a member of the NPA’s Sub-Regional Committee Sesame.
The 15-minute encounter also led to the military’s recovery of an M653 rifle, five magazines, a bandolier, three backpacks and rebel documents.
The 8th ID said soldiers conducted an operation in the area after receiving information about the presence of rebels who were said to be demanding food from the residents.
Brig. Gen. Noel Vistuir, commander of the 802nd Brigade where the 63rd IB is under, said: “We were serious when we issued the ultimatum for them to abandon the armed struggle and we are just getting started.”
“Expect that we will be relentless in our combat operations in the following days…Enough is enough, the people in our community have suffered long from your abuse and deception. Surrender now when you still have time,” said Vistuir.
