BUTUAN CITY – A top leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Mindanao was killed in a encounter with the 8th Infantry (Dependable) Battalion (8th IB) in Sitio Lagaslasan, Barangay Kulaman, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, on Wednesday, August 23.
The fatality was identified as “Kumander Mojen” or “Gamot,” commanding officer of the Headquarters Force NEO, Regional Operations Command (ROC), Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).
The 8th IB led by Lt. Col. Anthony A. Bacus launched an operation after receiving information from residents of Barangay Kulaman on the presence of the NPA in Sitio Lagaslasan.
“A 10-minute firefight led to the unfortunate demise of one NPA and the seizure of two M16 rifles, two M653 Carbine rifles, two M203 grenade launchers, anti-personnel mines, various NPA terrorist materials, medical paraphernalia, and assorted personal belongings,” Bacus said.
Mojen was identified by Jimboy Tingkayan, alias “Jovan,” his half-brother and an NPA who recently surrendered to the 8th IB.
Mojen’s group was once considered as the stronghold of the so-called Regional Sentro de Gravidad (RSDG) of NCMRC, said the 8th IB commander.
No soldier was in the encounter.
Major Francisco P. Garello Jr., chief of the Public Affairs Office (PAO) of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, said that operating troops of the 8th IB under the operational control of the 403rd Infantry (Peacemaker) Brigade are conducting clearing and hot pursuit operations against the fleeing rebels.
Garello said operating troops recovered six high-powered firearms and other war materials following the gun battle.
Brig. Gen. Michele B. Anayron Jr., commanding general of the 403rd Brigade, said that NPA presence in the area is an indication that the dwindling criminal group is on a desperate move to recruit and extort resources from the people and continue their income generation scheme, especially as the Barangay and Sanggunian Kabatan Election draws near.
“It is unfortunate that the CTG continues to sacrifice the lives of their members to pursue their criminal agenda,” he said.
“We are once again saddened by the loss of life of our fellow Filipinos. With this, we assure the people of Bukidnon that their Army will not allow criminals to continue threaten communities and rob them of their hard-earned money. We vow to keep the peace and security in the area,” Anayron added.