BUTUAN CITY – A New People’s Army rebel was killed in a 30-minute encounter with soldiers in Barangay Magsaysay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur on Tuesday, March 4.
TROOPS recovered war materials and personal from the New People’s Army following an encounter in Barangay Magsaysay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur on Tuesday, March 4. (401st Brigade CMO via Mike U. Crismundo)
The casualty was identified as Dar, a member of the Subregional Sentro de Gravidad Southland of the Communist Party of the Philippines-Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee.
Capt. Arc F. Jayson, 401st Infantry (Unite N’ Fight) Brigade civil-military operations officer, said an M16 Armalite rifle, one AR18 rifle, backpacks, a bandolier, and subversive documents were recovered in the encounter site.
Dar’s remains were turned over to the local government of Prosperidad for proper disposition.
Jayson said they are pursuing the fleeing rebels.
“As of this time, our ground troops are still pursuing the remaining running NPAs following their blood stains along their escape route of withdrawal,” he said.
“The operation was initiated in response to reports from concerned residents about CTG activities in the area, including extortion and other disruptive actions affecting local communities,” Jayson added.
Troops conducted loudspeaker operations, dialogues, and distributed informational materials in nearby barangays to reassure residents of their safety and security following the encounter.
Col. Emil Cruz, commanding officer of the 401st Brigade, commended operating troops for their efforts and reaffirmed their commitment to peace and security in the region.
No casualty was reported on the government side.