Alleged NPA leader killed in Laguna clash

August 9, 2020

An alleged commander of the New People’s Army (NPA) and a recruiter of indigenous people (IP) to the organization was killed in an encounter with government forces in Kalayaan, Laguna last Friday.

According to the initial report, the troops clashed with the NPA rebels at around 11:10 p.m. in Sitio Boho of Barangay San Antonio during the patrol operation after receiving reports that suspects were roaming in the area.

Troops got a chance of seeing Mario Caraig, alias Jethro, who has a standing warrant of arrest for murder and multiple frustrated murder.

Caraig is the secretary of Sub Regional Military Area (SRMA) 4C.

Upon approaching, the rebel allegedly suddenly drew his firearm and fired towards the direction of the lawmen and immediately hid and ran to his hideout and continued to fire, prompting the troops to retaliate which resulted in his instantaneous death.

Recovered from the crime scene were one Cal .45 pistol, one 9mm pistol, two hand grenades and voluminous enemy documents.

Lt. Col. Jesus Diocton, commanding officer of the 1st Infantry Battalion, said it was the “second encounter in the area in three days following the Aug. 4 encounter which resulted to the government security forces’ neutralizing three NPAs including the commander of the Main Regional Guerilla Unit of the NPA of Southern Tagalog whom former rebels positively identified as alias Termo.”

He attributed the successful pursuit operations to concerned citizens who tipped about the presence of the armed group who were coercing the people to feed and hide them as they try to avoid the government’s security forces.

According to the military, alias Jethro is feared by the IP because he has been coercing the peace-loving Dumagat Remontados to join and support the underground movement.

He used to operate in Batangas and Cavite but was forced to hide in the Sierra Madres after the terrorists’ Guerilla Front Honda was dismantled by the 202nd Brigade after the 2018 military campaign.

Joint military and police checkpoints have been established in the area to support the ongoing pursuit operations against the escaping rebels.

All available military assets have been placed on high alert. Ella Dionisio/DMS