Cagayan de Oro City — Philippine Army officials on Tuesday announced the death of a high-ranking communist rebel leader during a weekend clash with government troops in the hinterlands of Agusan del Sur.

Brig. Gen. Seigfred Tubalado, commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, identified the deceased as Bonifacio Lutawan, known by the alias “Tado.” Lutawan was reportedly the commanding officer of the Regional Operational Command for the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee of the New People’s Army.

The encounter occurred Sunday in Sitio Tacocon, Barangay Kasapa II. Soldiers from the 8th Infantry Battalion, led by Lt. Col. Jeorge Jallorina, engaged the armed group and recovered a US-made M653 assault rifle at the scene.

Tubalado said the operation is part of a continuing campaign to dismantle the remaining armed threat groups in Northern Mindanao.

He commended the troops for their teamwork and reaffirmed the brigade’s commitment to protecting communities while adhering to human rights standards.

Following the firefight, military personnel transported the remains to a hospital and coordinated with local funeral services. The brigade is working with local government units and the Philippine National Police to inform Lutawan’s family and provide burial assistance.

“The incident was really unfortunate, amid our call for the remaining [members] to surrender,” Tubalado said. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the fatalities and once again reiterate our call for them to surrender and live peacefully within our communities.”

The 403rd Brigade commander added that the government remains resolved in ending the local communist movement in Bukidnon and surrounding provinces.