NPA rebel killed in Zambo Sur clash on Christmas Day

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 26, 2022): NPA rebel killed in Zambo Sur clash on Christmas Day (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

Google map of Barangay Saad, Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur

ZAMBOANGA CITY – A New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was killed in a clash with government troops in the province of Zamboanga del Sur, according to the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) on Monday.

The Westmincom reported that Martino Ayas alias "Ka Nasser" of the NPA’s Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee was killed in a clash with the 53rd Infantry Battalion (IB) troops on Christmas Day at Purok 2, Barangay Saad in Dumingag town, Zamboanga del Sur.

The clash ensued while the troops were checking the reported presence of NPA rebels in Purok 2, Barangay Saad, according to the Westmincom.

Recovered from the possession of Ayas were an M16A1 rifle with short magazine loaded with 15 live ammunition; one sling bag with "malong", tobacco and one cellular phone.

Lt. Col. Terence Ylanan, 53IB commander, said in a statement Monday that Ayas together with other NPA rebels were trying to recruit members into the NPA in Barangay Saad.

Residents in Barangay Saad recognized two of Ayas’ companions recruiting new members in their village as Jessel Cabal alias "Ka Sabel" and Nelboy Baron alias "Ka Jundy."

However, Ylanan said their attempt to recruit new members failed in Barangay Saad.

“The communist terrorists (NPA) may be trying to reinfect Zamboanga del Sur, but the people are no longer easily deceived,” he said.

“Your soldiers were and will always be on guard to keep the province insurgency-free,” he added.

He said troops are tracking down the fleeing companions of Ayas.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1191475