3 Surigao rebels killed, 2 surrender

The Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) on Monday reported the death of three communist rebels during a series of encounters with government forces on the outskirts of Placer, Surigao del Norte over the weekend.

Prior to the clashes, the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) reported that an NPA guerrilla identified as Ricky Per surrendered to the Army’s 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB) under the 901st Infantry Brigade (901Bde) on Saturday.

Following his surrender, he led troops to a site in Barangay Bugas-Bugas where the rebels had hidden firearms, ammunition, and other war materiels.

That same day, government forces recovered an M16 rifle, a rifle grenade, magazines, ammunition, bandoliers and mobile phones from the area.

During the operation, another NPA member, identified as Allan Cacatian, also surrendered to the Army.

At the ongoing military operations on Sunday, troops from the 30th Infantry Battalion encountered an undetermined number of insurgents around 8 a.m., triggering an armed clash.

Among those killed was Roderick Maco Bensing, a leader of the NPA’s North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee. A female rebel, identified as Liezl Dagohoy Mondejar, was critically wounded in the firefight and brought to a hospital, where she later died.

In a statement Monday, 30IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Albert Batingga appealed to other rebels still in the field to surrender before they face a similar fate as those recently killed in the clashes.

“This is a clear sign that their strength is crumbling. We urge those who are still in hiding to make the right choice now, before it’s too late. Lay down your arms, return to your families, and help rebuild the very communities that have long suffered from this senseless violence,” Batinga said.

In another statement, 901 Bde commander Brigadier General Arsenio Sadural reiterated the government’s determination to defeat insurgency through coordinated military efforts and restore peace in affected areas.

“Despite their persistent recovery efforts, the NPA continues to fail in reclaiming influence over Surigao del Norte,” Sadural said.

“The province remains steadfast and resilient, with its people rejecting the return of violence and terror. We are committed to protecting these gains and keeping the CTGs from undermining peace and development,” he added.