High-ranking NPA leader killed in Makilala firefight

From the Mindanao Times (Sep 18): High-ranking NPA leader killed in Makilala firefight

A Guerrilla front secretary of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed in an encounter with troops of the 39th Infantry Battalion in Sitio Flortam, Barangay Batasan, Makilala, around 5 p.m. on Saturday.

Capt. Jerry Lamosao, the spokesperson of 10th Infantry Division, said the soldiers encountered Communist fighters under the Guerrilla Front 51 of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee, led by Jacob Rondinas alias Jecko/Velum.

Apparently, soldiers received a tip from the residents that armed men are roaming around the community and are trying to recruit people.

Lamosao said the NPAs invite their target to a meeting and later force them to take up arms.

Brig. Gen. Roberto Ancan, 1002nd Infantry Brigade commander, informed the Makilala PNP and Scene of the Crime Operatives team for further investigation.

“We will continue to use all lawful and peaceful means to encourage the NPAs to go back to the folds of law but we also use force when necessary,” Ancan said.

“The brigade and 10th ID are here to protect the people in the communities as we journey toward peace,” he added.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Noel S. Clement, commander of the 10th Infantry Division, lauded the accomplishment of the soldiers.

“There are many ways that the government is doing to end violence and attain peace,” he said. “We continue on performing our mandated task with deep adherence to respect human rights, international humanitarian law and rule of law.”

http://mindanaotimes.net/high-ranking-npa-leader-killed-in-makilala-firefight/