TALK TO TROOPS. Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. talks to the troops of the 95th Infantry Battalion during his visit to their tactical command post at Barangay Sisim, Peñablanca, Cagayan on Sunday (Sept. 15, 2024). The troops neutralized a ranking New People's Army leader and two others in a clash in the town on Sept. 11. (Photo courtesy of the AFP)
MANILA – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. lauded the soldiers in Cagayan province for neutralizing a ranking New People's Army (NPA) leader and two others.
Brawner made the remark during his visit to the tactical command post of the 95th Infantry Battalion at Barangay Sisim, Peñablanca, Cagayan on Sunday.
"Gen. Brawner congratulated the unit for their successful operation that led to a recent encounter with the NPA in the area," AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a statement Sunday night.
Trinidad was referring to the encounter which led to the death of NPA leader Edgar Arbitrario, also known as "Karl", in Barangay Baliuag in Peñablanca town on Sept. 11.
Arbitrario, a Davao City native and the secretary of the NPA's Komiteng Rehiyon Cagayan Valley, was also reportedly involved in several terrorist activities.
Two other NPA members, "Ka Jorly" and "Ka Nieves," were also killed in the encounter.
Recovered from the clash site were various firearms, ammunition and other military equipment.
Brawner awarded the troops involved in the mission, emphasizing the AFP's commitment to fully complying with its campaign to end the insurgency.
"I congratulate you on your outstanding performance in this mission. Your dedication and courage are crucial as we transition to territorial defense operations. Remember, a strong AFP means a strong nation," Brawner said.
Brawner said the operation's success reinforces the military's strategic goals in eradicating insurgency. (PNA)
