Alleged NPA killed in clash with military in Surigao del Norte

May 19, 2020

An alleged member of the New People's Army (NPA) was killed in a 45-minute clash with government forces in Surigao del Sur on Monday.

Maj. Francisco Garello Jr., civil military operations officer of the 402nd Infantry Brigade, said the encounter occured at the vicinity of Sitio Kiskis , Brgy Siagao, San Miguel municipality around 11:30 am.

Garello said troops of the 36th IB encountered around 30 rebels believed to be members of the Sub Regional Command (SRC) 2130, of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).

"The communist terrorist scampered towards different directions leaving one dead terrorist and two AK47 rifles, two Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), various war materiel and medical supplies that were recovered by the troops," he said.

"After which troops overran a communist terrorist hideout which can accommodate around 40 individuals," he added.

Brigadier General Maurito Licudine, commander of the 402nd Brigade said "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.".

Garello said the dead man has yet to be identified and will be turned over to the nearest municipal police station.

"Troops are still conducting pursuit operations as of this writing," he said. Robina Asido/DMS