Alleged high-ranking NPA killed in Negros Occidental law enforcement operation

September 1, 2020

An alleged high-ranking leader of New People's Army (NPA), said to be behind the killing of four policemen in 2019, was killed in a joint law enforcement operation in Negros Occidental on Monday.

2nd Lt. Weann Sandag, civil military operations officer of the 15th Infantry Battalion, said identified the neutralized NPA leader as Mitchel Fat alias Lakas,  leader of Squad 1, Sandatahang Yunit PangpropagandaPlatoon, Central Negros (CN2).

"He (Fat) was the leader of the group behind the brutal killing of four Policemen in Ayungon, Negros Oriental last July 18, 2019," she said.

"He has three standing warrants of arrest with Criminal Case No. A2020-74-CRC, Criminal Case No. A2020-71-CRC and Criminal Case No. A2020-73-CRC issued by 7th RTC, Branch 75 of Bais City, Negros Oriental," she added.

Sandag said the military and police were serving warrants of arrest when fighting took place at the vicinity of Kilometer 109, Barangay Dancalan in Ilog municipality.

"The government forces are serving the warrants when they were fired upon by the  suspect armed with Cal. 45 pistol which prompted the operating troops to retaliate", she said.

Fat was brought to Lorenzo Zayco District Hospital in Kabankalan City for medical attention, but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician, said Sandag.

Sandag said following the clash the troops recovered one cal. 45 pistol with chamber load; one magazine of cal. 45 pistol with four live ammo; two fired cartridge case of cal. 45 ammos; one Hammock; one sling bag; one inside holster;  two magazine pouch;  one lower battle dress attire; one upper marine uniform; one handheld radio with charger; one Nokia cellular phone; one brown wallet; two boxes of sterile acupuncture needle; one sim card, and other subversive documents from the rebel.

She said residents tipped authorities of Fat's presence.

Lt Co. Erwin Cariño, commanding officer of 15th Infantry Battalion  said “the neutralization of another communist NPA terrorist high value individual is another setback to the CPP-NPA-NDF ( Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front) terrorists in Negros Province. It also shows the unwavering support of the local populace in whom are already affected with the menace brought by these terrorist group.” Robina Asido/DMS