Troops from the Philippine Army's 67th Infantry (Agila) Battalion has handed over the remains of a slain leader of the New People's Army in Surigao del Sur.

In a statement Friday, 10th Infantry Division Public Affairs chief, Maj. Mark Anthony Tito, confirmed that Pablita Virtudazo Casanoza has claimed the remains of her brother, Joedil Cayapos Virtudazo alias "Jerby" or "Janjalani", who served as the NPA's Political Officer of the Regional Sentro De Grabidad, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee or RSDG, NEMRC.

Tito said Janjalani was killed in a 20-minute firefight between 67IB troops, operating under the 701st Infantry (Kagitingan) Brigade, at the Sitio Paradise in Barangay Santa Juana, Tagbina during the commemoration of the Communist Party of the Philippines' founding anniversary on 26 December. 

"During the encounter, the soldiers recovered one R4 Carbine Rifle, one M4 Rifle and three cell phones with SIM cards at the site," Tito added. 

In a separate statement, 67IB Commander Lieutenant Colonel Edwin Pia said the communist armed wing NPA "intended to cause disturbances in connection with the CPP's founding anniversary on the mentioned date, aiming to discredit the government, particularly in Surigao del Sur." 

The NPA planned to re-infiltrate the Davao Region, which was already declared insurgency-free, added Pia.

BGen. Allan Hambala, 10ID Commander, commended the swift action of the 67IB and 701st Brigade to foil the possible hostilities of NPA in the communities.

"The death of Joedil Virtudazo, a notorious NPA leader in Northern Mindanao, is a significant blow against the NEMRC. It surely weakens their leadership and their will to fight," Hambala said, urging the remaining CPP-NPA members "to abandon the armed struggle, and we will ensure your safety and well-being."