4 top NPA rebels in Caraga killed, 3 yield in 1H 2023

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 14, 2023): 4 top NPA rebels in Caraga killed, 3 yield in 1H 2023 (By Alexander Lopez)

INTENSIFIED OPERATIONS. Maj. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo (left), commander of the Army's 4th Infantry Division, has ordered all operating units in Northern Mindanao and the Caraga Region to intensify operations against the communist New People’s Army. During the first six months of 2023, four top NPA leaders were killed during the series of armed encounters in the Caraga Region, according to a report released Friday (July 14, 2023). (Photo courtesy of 4ID)

BUTUAN CITY – Four top leaders of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) were killed while three other rebel field superiors surrendered during the first half of this year in Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions, the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (ID) said Friday.

In a report, 4ID commander Maj. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo ll said the NPA leaders were killed separately during 58 armed encounters recorded during the period.

During the armed encounters, Cuerpo said three other guerilla leaders turned themselves in to the military.

At least 158 high-powered firearms and 22 low-powered firearms were also seized by troopers from January to June this year, he added.

A total of 135 NPA members and mass supporters in the two regions also abandoned the struggle in the first six months of the year, according to Cuerpo.

Among the top rebel leaders killed were Emmanuel Anub Sr. secretary of Guerilla Front 21, and Alberto Castaneda, commanding officer of a unit under the Weakened GF-16.

Also killed were Chen Pableo Castaneda, a finance officer and political instructor, and Ruel Maglasang, an executive committee member and vice commanding officer of the NPA's Regional Operations Command.

The other top leaders who surrendered were Grecyl Yparaguirre, a front secretary; Lino Atipan Namatidong, a commanding officer; and Nanganlag Namatidong, an education and propaganda head.

With the momentum, Cuerpo directed all Army units in the two regions to increase their "operational tempo for the NPA’s total defeat."

"Focus all your efforts to ensure that you get a decisive engagement, or if not, endeavor for a decisive surrender. We shall end the fight and finish the NPAs no matter what,” Cuerpo said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1205620