Soldiers save wounded, abandoned NPA leader in Agusan Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (May 20, 2022): Soldiers save wounded, abandoned NPA leader in Agusan Norte (By Alexander Lopez)

SAVED BY SOLDIERS. Wounded rebel leader Elgelbert Bongaos, a squad leader of a New People's Army unit under the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee, is being treated in a hospital in Agusan del Norte after being rescued by government forces following a skirmish Thursday (May 19, 2022). Bongaos, who was abandoned by fleeing comrades during the firefight, was handed over to Police Regional Office-13 after receiving treatment. (Photo courtesy of 29IB)

Government troopers have rescued a wounded communist New People's Army (NPA) squad leader abandoned by his comrades following a skirmish in the Agusan del Norte town of Jabonga, the Army’s 29th Infantry Battalion (29IB) said Friday.

In a statement, the 29IB said troops were engaging the rebels in a running gun battle in the hinterlands of Barangay Bangonay in Jabonga on Thursday when the rescue took place.

"Our troops were scouring the perimeter of the enemies’ lair when they found a wounded NPA rebel hiding behind a huge rock," 29IB said, identifying the insurgent as Elgelbert Bongaos.

Bongaos, a squad leader of an NPA unit under the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee, was immediately evacuated to the nearest medical facility, 29IB said.

The rebels, according to the 29IB, were headed by Rolando Leyson Jr., the group's front secretary.

"Bongaos was abandoned by his fleeing comrades during the firefight," the 29IB said.

It also described Bongaos as a "notorious NPA leader" operating in Agusan del Norte and the nearby towns in the Caraga Region.

“He (Bongaos) is facing multiple charges for alleged commission of heinous crimes with arrest warrants issued against him for multiple attempted murder, multiple attempted homicide, kidnapping, and serious illegal detention,” 29IB said.

After his treatment, Bongaos was handed over to the intelligence division of the Police Regional Office in Caraga.

Colonel Jason Saldua, the 29IB commander, said the treatment given to Bongaos was consistent with the Army's adherence to International Humanitarian Law.

“We want the rebels to realize how we treat them concerning their human rights, especially those who wish to surrender, as we treat the wounded even during armed conflicts,” Saldua said.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA (CPP-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 Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the NDF as a terrorist organization on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and separate part” of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1174978