2 rebels killed in Surigao Sur clash

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 31 2019): 2 rebels killed in Surigao Sur clash

SAN AGUSTIN, Surigao del Sur -- Two communist terrorists died in an encounter with the government troops in San Agustin town, Surigao del Sur last January 24, 2019.

The operating troops under 401st Brigade were conducting security operations in the hinterlands of Sitio Kabulohan, Barangay Buhisan in San Agustin town when more or less 10 NPA terrorists fired at them prompting them to return fire.

The firefight lasted for about five minutes, after which the armed group scampered in different directions.

The 10 New Peoples Army (NPA) terrorists were believed to be members of Sub-Region Committee Southland, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee led by Felizardo Valdez also known as “Ado.”


The troops also seized an M14 rifle, anti-personnel mines and ammunition, subversive documents and other war materials.According to Brigadier General Andres Centino, the security operations against the CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) in the boundary of Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur started since December 2018 after they abducted the Cafgu Active Auxiliaries (CAA) and two soldiers in Barangay New Tubigon in Sibagat, Agusan del Sur.

The NPAs took the CAAs and soldiers and used them as human shields until now. The security operations accordingly, intend to go after the armed groups responsible for the abduction.

Centino said the two cadavers are still in the area as of this time.

“The operating troops were not able to immediately extricate them due to bad weather,” he said.

“The soldiers will exert their best efforts to extricate them as soon as possible and turn-over them to the Philippine National Police and Barangay Officials for identification and proper disposition. We extend our condolences to the families of these two NPAs,” Centino added. (401st Brigade, PA/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1017725