DEAD REBEL. Government forces recover the body of a New People’s Army rebel identified as Aldo Gano, following a night encounter in Barangay De Oro, Butuan City, on Monday (Aug. 26, 2024). Skirmishes from August 19 to 26 also resulted in the seizure of three high-powered firearms from the rebels. (Photo courtesy of 901Bde)
BUTUAN CITY – A communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was killed, and three high-powered firearms were seized during skirmishes from August 19 to 26 in the hinterlands of this city and Agusan del Sur province, the military here said Tuesday.
In a statement, Brig. Gen. Arsenio Sadural, Army’s 901st Infantry Brigade (901Bde) commander, said soldiers engaged remnants of the NPA Regional Headquarters-North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (RHQ-NEMRC) in clashes from Aug. 19 to 24 in Barangay Salvacion here and in Sibagat, Agusan del Sur.
The encounters resulted in the seizure of an M16 rifle, ammunition, equipment, and personal belongings of NPA rebels led by Myrna Sularte.
On Monday, another clash took place between the 29IB troopers and NPA rebels under Sentro De Grabidad Westland of NEMRC led by Arnel Bangues in Barangay De Oro, which led to the death of a rebel and the seizure of an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, and other war materiel.
The NPA fatality was identified as Aldo Gano of Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur.
Also on Monday, troops of the 65IB encountered NPA Platoon 3 led by Emmie Mar Mersa Anub in Barangay Villangit, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur, which led to the confiscation of an M653 rifle and ammunition.
“Operating troops also found heavy bloodstains in different encounter sites. The rebels were protecting the RHQ-NEMRC, which is planning retaliatory actions against our forces and the civilians in the area,” Sadural said.
He said pursuit operations are ongoing to track down the remaining rebels. (PNA)
