Skirmish leaves 1 NPA rebel dead in Agusan Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 24, 2022): Skirmish leaves 1 NPA rebel dead in Agusan Sur (By Alexander Lopez)

SLAIN REBEL. A combatant of the New People's Army is killed during a 15-minute encounter with the troops of the 65th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Sta. Cruz, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur on Friday (July 22, 2022). The authorities were still determining the identity of the slain rebel. (Photo courtesy of 65IB)

A New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was killed in a 15-minute clash with troops of the 65th Infantry Battalion (65IB) in Barangay Sta. Cruz, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur on Friday.

In a statement released on Saturday, the 65IB reported that their troops were conducting a security patrol in the area when they encountered at least 10 NPA fighters.

It said the rebels were disturbing the residents by asking for food supplies.

“The security operation was launched in response to the complaints of the civilians and to ensure their security and protection,” the 65IB said.

A high-powered firearm, an anti-personnel mine, some ammunition, two backpacks, and personal belongings were recovered from the encounter site.

The Army, with the help of local officials and the police in the area, was still determining the identity of the slain NPA fighter.

In the same statement, 65IB commander Lt. Col. Emerson de Vera lauded the courage of the civilians who reported the presence of the NPA combatants.

"This is another meaningless death of an NPA terrorist,” de Vera said, as he called on the remaining rebels in the area to surrender.

“It is not too late for you to surrender, return to your family, and avail of the benefits of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the government.”

He added that the 65IB troopers would continue their mission to protect the communities from the harassment and other terroristic activities of the NPA.

The Communist Party of the Philippines (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 National Democratic Front was 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/1179624