2 rebel leaders died in Surigao Sur encounter
SAN MIGUEL, Surigao del Sur (PIA) -- The troops from the 75th Infantry Battalion, under the command of LtCol. Jan B. Molero, faced a violent encounter with the members of the New People’s Army (NPA), disturbing the peace in Barangay Bolhoon in the municipality of San Miguel, this province on September 7.
According to the report from the 401st Infantry Battalion, the government troops captured several weapons, including M16 rifles and backpacks filled with vital supplies. The discovery of heavy blood stains indicated that the enemy had suffered significant injuries in the area.
On Sept.9, the government troops pursued the fleeing members of the armed group. During the chase, the government troops confronted Felipe D. Tejero Sr., the commander of one of the platoons of the NPA. In the clash, Tejero lost his life, and the soldiers seized an M4 rifle.
As combat operation continued on September 10, the troops were engaged with the same members of the NPA, resulting in another death of Florencio L. Montella, a political instructor Sub-Regional Sentro De Gravidad (SRSDG) Westland of the so-called Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC). Linked to the armed faction, he was identified as former Secretary, peasant department white area committee in Caraga region. He was found dead with additional weapons and supplies, underscoring the seriousness of the threat they faced.
Meanwhile, 401st Brigadier General Francisco Lorenzo Jr., announced that after the recent encounters, the 4th Civil-Military Operation Battalion and the 75th Infantry Battalion proceeded with the peace-building efforts.
"We engaged with indigenous peoples (IP) leaders and relatives of the armed group members, encouraging dialogue and inviting the surrender of the remaining insurgents. Our goal is to address grievances, build trust, and promote peaceful solutions to restore stability and support the peace agenda and process in the Caraga region," BGen.Lorenzo said.
Community dialogues are ongoing and loudspeaker announcements are made in the affected communities and areas to assure the residents of their feel safety. (NGPB, PIA-Surigao del Sur)
