DAVAO CITY (PNA) – Another ranking leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed in an encounter with government troops in Barobo, Surigao del Sur, the military here said Friday, July 22.

Major Gen. Nolasco Mempin, commander of the Army 10th Infantry Division, said the 20-minute gunbattle in Barangay Guinahalinan Thursday, July 21, resulted in the death of Arnold Ornales, a leader of the remnants of the NPA's dismantled Guerilla Front 14.

Mempin condoled with the family of Ornales as he called on other NPA rebels to surrender and return to their families while they still can.

“We know that there are still wounded NPA members after the firefight. You cannot forever hide. The masses are with us and sooner, they will pinpoint your location. So surrender now,” he said.

Meanwhile, Surigao del Sur Gov. Alexander Pimentel backed the continuation of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

Pimentel emphasized the importance of the social development packages, livelihood projects, and infrastructure enumerated under the Barangay Development Programs in barangays that have been considered cleared of the influence of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the NPA.

“I say this with much severity, for I have personally witnessed how our barangay officials consulted with their constituents in the crafting of their development plans and have thoroughly identified their essential needs to attain a peaceful and progressive community,” he said.