ILIGAN CITY – A high-ranking member of the New People’s Army who was facing multiple cases was killed along with his comrade during a shootout with government troops belonging to 39th Infantry Battalion at Sitio Panopio, Brgy. Malasila, in Makilala, North Cotobato at around 8 O’clock in the evening on April 13.
The military said operatives from the 39IB were monitoring the coordination between leadership of Far South Mindanao Region (FSMR) and the Dismantled Pulang Bagani (DPBC) regarding the atrocities perpetrated in the area.
It was at this juncture that a five-minute gunbattle ensued when the government troops chanced upon the armed men who fired the first shot.
Roberto Castillote alias “Enoy”, Commanding Officer, and Jovilito Yambanao alias “Joven", Political Guide, died in the clash.
‘Enoy’ and ‘Joven’ were both from the Dismantled Pulang Bagani Command (DPBC), Southern Regional Committee (SRC) 3, and Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) of the New People’s Army (NPA).
Troops seized one Uzi Sub-machine gun, two improvised landmines, one hand grenade and a container with gasoline.
Alias “Enoy” had existing arrest warrants for attempted murder, double attempted murder, frustrated murder, murder, slight illegal detention, robbery, robbery with homicide and violation of the RA 7610 (Special Protection Against Child Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination).
Alias “Enoy” was believed to be responsible for an ambush of four SOCO personnel who were supposed to investigate a shooting incident involving the armed group on March 8, 2017 in Bansalan, Davao del Sur.
The ambush resulted in the death of four SOCO personnel, including one who was confirmed pregnant.
39th Infantry Battalion Commander Lieutenant Colonel Ezra Balagtey said that the death of alias “Enoy” gave justice to the victims of his atrocities including an innocent child that was never been born.
Truly, this success means the end of the road for the killer while adding blows to the already weak CPP-NPA-NDF leadership that’s seeking to revive the Pulang Bagani Command.
“Rest assured that the government forces will remain vigilant against this terrorist group planning to incite violence and spoil the peace and development efforts of the government in the locality,” added Balagtey.
Alias “Enoy” took the lead of the dismantled PBC after a decisive engagement against alias “Maruz”, Secretary of PBC, SMRC on May 21, 2021 at Sitio Upper Lukatong, Brgy Biangan, Makilala, North Cotabato.