2 NPA dead in clash, 1 surrenders in Caraga

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 19, 2022): 2 NPA dead in clash, 1 surrenders in Caraga (By Nef Luczon)

NEW SURRENDER. Fortunato Undayon, described by the military as a ranking New People's Army leader, surrenders in the Surigao del Sur town of Carmen on Monday (April 18, 2022). He brought two firearms and other unspecified war matériel. (Photo courtesy of 4ID)

Some two combatants of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in an encounter in Agusan del Norte, while one surrendered in Surigao del Sur, the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (ID) said Tuesday.

In a statement, 4ID said the April 17 clash between the Army's 29th Infantry Battalion (IB) and about 15 rebels in the Agusan del Norte town of Kitcharao resulted in the deaths of Samuel Batican and a certain "Yawming."

Recovered from the encounter site were an AR15 rifle, an M14 rifle, assorted personal belongings, and food supplies, 4ID said.

Prior to the encounter, the 4ID said the 29IB had received numerous reports from angry residents regarding the presence of the NPA rebels in their area.

Residents claimed the NPA “periodically extorted” from them and demanded all kinds of supplies.

Colonel Jason M. Saldua, 29IB commander, said the tip-off from residents was necessary to expose the NPA's illegal activities in the area.

"In that way, we can immediately respond to the reports of the civilians. Rest assured that as we follow the (Executive Order) EO 70 of the President, we can together end this long terroristic and extortionist activities," Saldua said.

Meanwhile, in the Surigao del Sur town of Carmen, NPA leader Fortunato Suazo Undayon surrendered Monday along with his two firearms and some war matériel.

In a statement, Maj. Gen. Wilbur Mamawag, 4ID commander, reiterated his appeal for the remnants of the NPA to abandon the armed struggle.

Mamawag said Undayon's decision to be reunited with his loved ones after four years with the NPA was commendable.

“You cannot win against the mighty government. It’s not yet too late, better lay down your arms and avail yourself of the good socio-economic programs of the government," Mamawag said.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

The National Democratic Front has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1172440