Agusan Sur firefight leaves 1 NPA dead

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 25, 2023): Agusan Sur firefight leaves 1 NPA dead (By Alexander Lopez)

SKIRMISH SITE. Cooking utensils and other personal belongings of communist rebels are scattered on the ground at the clash site in Barangay Guibongon, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur, on Sunday (Sept. 24, 2023). The Army’s 4th Infantry Division says a New People’s Army rebel was killed following the brief encounter, which led to the recovery of a high-powered firearm. (Photo courtesy of 4ID)

BUTUAN CITY – A New People’s Army (NPA) guerrilla was killed in an encounter with government troopers in Esperanza town, Agusan del Sur on Sunday.

In a statement Monday, the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) identified the slain NPA as Madagi Tumanan, a resident of Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental.

Timanan died during the clash with soldiers from the Army's 26th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Barangay Guibongon, Esperanza municipality.

“Based on the report of Lt. Col. Sandy Majarocon, the commander of 26IB, the troops encountered around five NPA rebels in the area, which resulted in the death of Tumanan and the recovery of an M16 rifle,” 4ID said in a statement.

It added that the slain rebel's remains will be turned over to his family through the Philippine National Police in Gingoog City.

Meanwhile, the 4ID also reported the recovery of six high-powered firearms last Sept. 22 in an encounter in Barangay Bontongon, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon.

“The troops of the 8IB clashed with seven NPA terrorists which resulted in the recovery of two firearms and an additional four others after the search and clearing operations,” the 4ID said.

The firearms included two M1 Garand rifles, a .45-caliber pistol, an M16 rifle, an M203 grenade launcher, and a .22-caliber pistol.

In addition, the troops also recovered an anti-personnel mine with a fuse and detonating cord at the vicinity of the encounter site.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1210527