CABADBARAN CITY, Philippines — A confrontation in Barangay Concepcion, Agusan del Norte, on Friday afternoon resulted in the death of a communist New People's Army (NPA) insurgent. The clash involved around ten rebels and the combined forces of the 29th and 30th Infantry Battalions (IB), according to military officials.
According to Philippines News Agency, commander of the 29IB, the deceased rebel was identified as Leo Salino Mindoro, also known as Yolly. Mindoro was a member of the Sub-Regional Sentro de Grabidad Northland under the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee of the NPA. The government troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, and personal belongings at the scene of the encounter, indicating the rebels fled following the skirmish.
The military action was initiated based on reports from concerned civilians about the NPA's extortion activities in the area. "After validating the report, a joint operation was immediately launched in the area on Friday noon, which resulted in the encounter with the insurgents led by a certain Ricky Per, alias Rem," Gargar stated.
Following the clash, the remains of Mindoro were transported to Cabadbaran City for proper handling. The 29IB, in coordination with the local government unit of Cabadbaran, has made arrangements to formally turn over the remains to Mindoro's family. Gargar also extended an invitation to the remaining NPA insurgents to surrender and reunite with their families peacefully, emphasizing the importance of community support in maintaining security and peace in the area.
The NPA, recognized as a terrorist organization by the Philippines and other countries, has been involved in a prolonged insurgency since its establishment. The recent encounter underscores the ongoing conflict between government forces and insurgent groups in the Philippines.