Two alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA), including a commander, were killed in separate clashes with government troops in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, the military said Monday.
The Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) identified one of the fatalities as Romeo Manpinsahan alias “Kakoy,” commander of the NPA’s Headquarters Force Neo.
Manpinsahan was killed after a firefight with soldiers from the 8th Infantry Battalion in Sitio Nalumosan, Barangay Silae at around 11:35 a.m. on Sunday.
Troops recovered two high-powered firearms with magazines and ammunition, along with a backpack from the encounter site.
In a separate early morning clash, personnel from the 1st Special Forces Battalion engaged NPA rebels in Sitio Tagiptip, Barangay Iba, also in Malaybalay City.
One rebel identified as Edward Patandon alias “Wando” was killed in the encounter, while an M16 rifle was recovered.
Maj. Gen. Marion Angcao, commander of the 4ID, said the operations mark another setback for the communist insurgency in Bukidnon.
“We remain resolute in our mission to dismantle the remaining armed groups and ensure that peace and development continue to flourish in our communities,” Angcao said.
He added that the military aims to sustain momentum in its peace efforts across Northern Mindanao, which covers Bukidnon and neighboring provinces.
Authorities earlier declared the Caraga region insurgency-free or under Stable Internal Peace and Security status, a milestone the military said it also hopes to achieve in Northern Mindanao through continued coordination with local governments and communities.