Alleged NPA leader killed in clash with military in Bukidnon

September 30, 2019

An alleged leader of the New People's Army ( NPA) died in a clash with soldiers in Bukidnon on Sunday.

Capt. Ryan Layug, civil military operations officer of the 403rd  Infantry Brigade, said the gunfight transpired in an uninhabited and forested area believed within jurisdiction of Sitio Bangkalawan, Brgy Lumintao, Quezon, Bukidnon around 9:30 am.

Layug said the terrorist NPA leader was later identified by former rebels as Joven Manggatawan alias “Amana”.

"Amana was said to be the leader of Sentro de Grabidad (SDG) platoon of CPP-NPA’s Company Thunder, Subregional Command 2 of NCMRC terrorizing southern Bukidnon areas," he said. 

"This NPA group made earlier claims of being responsible for attacks and atrocities on civilian farm compounds and destruction of civilian-owned equipment in southern Bukidnon," he added.

Layug said troops also recovered high powered firearm and explosive from the fleeing rebels.

"The fleeing NPA terrorists left behind one M-16 rifle; two anti-personnel mines which are banned by the Ottawa Convention; one rifle grenade; two ammunition magazines for M16 rifle; one ammunition magazine for AK-47 rifle; one Baofeng brand commercial radio; six 20-liter water containers filled with rice grain; assorted personal belongings and, subversive documents," he said.

Brig Gen Edgardo de Leon, commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade said  despite the clash the military is trying to convince rebels to surrender. 

"We have exhausted ways to reach out to NPA as we tried to convince them to return to the folds of law and live a peaceful life with their families. We have so far convinced 110 regular NPAs, but there are still those who opted to remain. They would have to face the might of the military," De Leon said. Robina Asido/DMS