ILIGAN CITY – A New People’s Army rebel was killed in an encounter in Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur on Christmas Day.
Joint Task Force Zampelan commander Brig. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete identified the slain communist guerrilla as Martino Ayas, alias “Nasser,” a remnant of the Guerrilla Front BBC.
Ayas was reportedly trying to recruit members into the NPA in Barangay Saad since August along with comrades Jessel Cabal, alias “Sabel,” and Nelboy Baron, alias “Jundy.”
Nafarrete said troops of the 53rd Infantry Battalion were fired at by NPA rebels while patrolling the mountainous part of Purok 2, Barangay Saad. Troops returned fire and the NPA withdrew after a few minutes.
While clearing the encounter site, troops recovered the cadaver of Ayas, one sling bag with tobacco, and one Nokia keypad phone.
Operating troops are in pursuit of the fleeing enemies.
Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas, acting commander of the Western Mindanao Command, commended the troops for their vigilance.