Two alleged NPAs killed in fighting vs military in Agusan del Sur

September 9, 2019

Two alleged members of New People's Army (NPA) were killed in a series of encounter in Agusan Del Sur on Sunday.

1Lt. Amadeuz Celestial, civil military operations officer of the 60th Infantry Battalion, said two cadavers of suspected members of the Weakened Guerilla Front 3 under the CPP-NPA’s Sub-regional Committee 4, Southern Mindanao Command were recovered by troops of the 60th Infantry Battalion and the 25th Infantry Battalion following encounters at Sitio Union, Brgy. Binucayan, Loreto, Agusan Del Sur.

Celestial said one of the bodies was recovered after two hours of sporadic fighting between rebels and troops of the 60th IB on Sunday morning.

"An M16 rifle, a 15-kilo improvised explosive device, and other subversive materials were also recovered at the encounter site," he said.

Celestial said another cadaver was recovered after a second firefight between the troops of 25IB and fleeing rebels in the afternoon of the same day.

"An M-16 rifle and some personal belongings, including some CPP-NPA uniforms were also recovered after the government troops scoured the area," he stated.

"The troops also found a rifle grenade, 100 meters IED detonating cord, several magazines and ammunition, and freshly cooked foodstuff," he added.

Celestial said at least 220 families from Sitio Union and other nearby villages were forced to leave their homes.

He said Mayor Lorife Magadan-Otaza of the municipality of Loreto has convened her emergency response team to assist affected residents. 

"The local government unit has provided food, blankets and sleeping mats, and other domestic items to the evacuees," he said.

"Mayor Otaza, assisted by the Loreto Municipal Police, has also facilitated the proper disposition of the killed communist terrorists. Their identities are still being confirmed as of the writing of this report," he added.

Celestial said troops of the 60th IB and 25th IB are still conducting pursuit operation against the rebels. Robina Asido/DMS