ZAMBOANGA CITY — Soldiers killed the leader of the Sendong guerilla front of the New People's Army and captured another during an encounter in the forested areas of Jimenez town in Misamis Occidental.

The soldier also recovered several high-powered firearms at the encounter site in Barangay Carmen, Jimenez.

 Tabak Division Commander Maj. Gen. Gabriel Viray III said yesterday that soldiers from the 10th Infantry Battalion, operating under the Task Unit "Eradicator" of the 102nd Infantry Brigade, engaged the rebels in a firefight.

Viray identified the leader of the guerilla front as Michael Cabayag, also known as "Teddy." He was killed during the encounter. Viray also identified the arrested NPA as Armida Nabicis, alias "Yumi."

 Among the high-caliber firearms recovered by the military at the encounter site were an M16 rifle with an M203 grenade launcher, one CZ rifle, and one M653 carbine. Also recovered were the personal belongings of the NPA rebels.

 According to Viray, soldiers acted on a report of armed men roaming around the village. Lt. Col. Jose Andre R. Monje immediately dispatched a team of soldiers to the area, and an encounter immediately ensued between the NPA and the soldiers.

 "Our commitment goes beyond the battlefield. We will ensure that alias Teddy is properly turned over to his family, respecting the principles of compassion and humanity in this challenging situation," Monje said.

 Viray also expressed his gratitude to the concerned citizen for providing the soldiers with critical information about the NPA-Terrorist presence in their area.