BUTUAN CITY – Three New People’s Army leaders were killed in separate encounters with government troops in Agusan del Sur this week.
Col. Francisco Lorenzo, commanding officer of the 401st Infantry Brigade based in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, said “Salem,” secretary of the Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Westland and Weakened Guerilla Front (GF) 21 both under the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), was killed in a 25-minute skirmish in Sitio Hugmakan, Barangay San Juan, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur on Thursday, March 30.
Soldiers recovered an AK-47 rifle and several magazines in the encounter site, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office (PAO) chief Major Francisco P. Garello Jr. said.
On Monday, March 27, two NPA leaders – alias “Dano” and “Zig,” the regional finance and regional medical staff of the NEMRC – were killed in Sitio Vertudazo, Barangay San Juan, Bayugan City.
Troops found an M4 carbine rifle, one modified carbine rifle, ammunition, magazines, and other war paraphernalia in the area.
Lorenzo said the deaths of these three NPA leaders prevented hostile plans for their 54th anniversary on Wednesday.