Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 14, 2020): Top ranking NPA of Western Mindanao killed, yield 6 firearms in Zambo Norte clash
CAMP SANG-AN, Zamboanga del Sur- Top 2 ranking Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) of Western Mindanao was killed and yielded six high-powered firearms in a clash with 44th Infantry Battalion and Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Police Office in Barangay ZNAC, Tampilisan, Zamboanga del Norte, Friday night, November 13, 2020.
The cadaver was identified by former rebels as Leonido Nabong alias COCO/BASTE, a member of Komisyon Mindanao (KOMMID), former Secretary from April 2002 to September 2011 and currently the 1st Deputy Secretary of the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC).
“Coco or Baste, as we commonly know him, was one of the remaining pillars, oldest and the most hardcore personality of the WMRPC,” said Lt. Col. Don Templonuevo, Commanding Officer, 44th Infantry Battalion.
“The troops found Coco when he was abandoned by his comrades and tried to revive him but unfortunately passed away,” Lt. Col. Templonuevo added.
The 45-minute firefight resulted to the capture of four M16 and one M14 assault rifles and one M203 grenade launcher.
Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas, Commander, 102nd Infantry Brigade expressed his gratitude to the locals who tipped-off the government forces of the location of the Communist Terrorist Group.
“For the past months, our troops on the ground have been pursuing the remaining elements of the Guerilla Front Feliciano “A” and will continue to hunt down the remaining CTGs in Western Mindanao,” said Brig. Gen. Nicolas.
“However, we will keep our doors open for those who still wish a second chance to be with their families and return to the mainstream society,” Brig. Gen. Nicolas added.
For his part, Maj. Gen. Gene Ponio commended the troops for this remarkable accomplishment.
“The Tabak troopers in close coordination with all stakeholders through the Whole-of-Nation Approach under the EO 70 will remain steadfast in its mandate of ending the local communist armed conflict in Western Mindanao,” said Maj. Gen. Ponio.
“We are close to winning our fight against insurgents in the region with the continued support of local chief executives, constituents and other stakeholders”, added Maj Gen. Ponio.
As of this posting, troops are still conducting pursuit operations against fleeing members of the CTG.
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