Three Communist Rebels Killed in Surigao del Norte Clashes
BUTUAN CITY – Three communist rebels died in a series of skirmishes with government troops in the fringes of Placer, Surigao del Norte, on Sunday, sources said Monday. The 4th Infantry Division (ID) reported that these encounters marked a significant blow to the insurgents trying to regain ground in the area.
Before the clashes, an NPA guerrilla named Ricky Per surrendered to the Army 30th Infantry Battalion (IB) under the 901st Infantry Brigade (IBde) on Saturday. He immediately revealed a location in Barangay Bugas-Bugas where they had hidden firearms, ammunition, and other war materials.
Recovered Firearms and Surrendered Rebels
On the same day, government forces recovered an M16 rifle, a rifle grenade, magazines, ammunition, bandoliers, and mobile phones from the area. During the recovery operations, another NPA member, Allan Cacatian, also surrendered to the Army.
Sunday Skirmishes Result in Rebel Deaths
During ongoing operations on Sunday, 30th IB troops encountered an undetermined number of insurgents around 8 a.m., leading to an armed confrontation. The clash resulted in the death of Roderick Maco Bensing, a leader of the NPA Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee.
A female combatant, Liezl Dagohoy Mondejar, was wounded, brought to a hospital, but later succumbed to her injuries. A third female rebel’s body was discovered three hours later during another encounter. Her identity remains unknown.
Brig. Gen. Arsenio Sadural, commander of the 901st IBde, said, “Despite their persistent recovery efforts, the NPA continues to fail in reclaiming influence over Surigao del Norte.”
Continued Military Pursuit
Pursuit operations against the communist rebels are ongoing as government forces aim to maintain peace and security in the province.
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