Top NPA leader killed

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The 403rd Infantry Brigade (403Bde) on Sunday released details of a series of armed encounters on 12 September in Barangay Bakingking, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur, that resulted in the neutralization of a top communist terrorist leader, three other fatalities, the surrender of three others, and the recovery of six high-powered firearms.

Troops from the 1st Special Forces Battalion (1SFBn) and 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB) engaged the Headquarters Force Neo of the New People’s Army’s (NPA) North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC), led by Julia Cagadas, alias Rheda, Toyang, Yoko, or Kayuka, the NCMRC secretary and a ranking NPA leader in Northern Mindanao.

Those reported neutralized were Julia Cagadas, alias Rheda, NCMRC secretary and ranking NPA leader in Northern Mindanao; Jonny Almonte Lindayo, alias Kikoy/Bugkoy; Rochamae Bihag, alias Maki, Executive Committee member for Education/Production, NCMRC; and Gerald Basahon, alias Doydoy, Squad 2, Headquarters Force Neo.

Those who surrendered were Cherelyn Cuarisma Magsayo, alias Lian, Signal/Communication, NCMRC Executive Committee; Marilyn D. Taquin, alias Mayumi/Mayang, Squad 1, Headquarters Force Neo; and Angelito Tahal Torres, alias Erin, Platoon Medic/Team Leader, Headquarters Force Neo.

Troops also recovered six high-powered firearms from the encounter site.