1 Dead, 11 NPA Rebels Surrender Following Armed Encounter in Agusan del Sur

By Sherman Calotes | Philippine People's Press 

Santa Josefa, Agusan del Sur — One member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed while eleven others surrendered following a brief firefight with government troops on the morning of June 19 in Purok 1, Barangay Sayon.

According to a military report, the 10-minute clash occurred after the 60th and 67th Infantry Battalions launched a combat operation in the area. The operation targeted suspected members of the NPA-Komisyong Mindanao (KOMMID), who were reportedly seeking refuge in the vicinity.

After the encounter, the armed group attempted to flee, leaving behind one of their comrades who succumbed to gunshot wounds. Shortly after, eleven suspected NPA members voluntarily surrendered to military forces.

Among the surrendered items were an M16 rifle, three high-powered firearms, twelve low-powered firearms, two improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and several subversive documents.

Brigadier General Felix Ronnie Babac, Commander of the 1001st Infantry Brigade, commended the efforts of the 60th Infantry Battalion for their role in weakening the insurgency in the region.

The 1001st Brigade oversees the entire province of Davao de Oro and several municipalities in Davao del Norte, which fall under its area of responsibility (AOR).

Authorities confirmed that KOMMID is considered the central command structure of the CPP-NPA-NDF in Mindanao. It is known to provide financial and logistical support to other NPA units through illegal activities such as revolutionary taxation and extortion operations targeting mining firms, plantations, and other businesses.

The military said the neutralization of this group marks a significant blow to the NPA’s organizational strength in the region.

Source: Juan Der Radyo Nabunturan

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