CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY— The Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) on Tuesday paid tribute to a senior female NPA leader who was killed in an encounter with government forces in Barangay Bakingking, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur, on 12 September.

In a statement released Tuesday, the CPP-NPA’s North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) expressed sorrow over the death of Julia Cagadas-Lastimosa, alias Rheda or Rida, whom it identified as the NCMRC secretary.

The group said Cagadas was killed alongside three other NPA members during the clash.

“The Communist Party of the Philippines-North Central Mindanao Region gives its highest salute to the martyred comrades Ka Rida, Ka Maki, Ka Kikoy, and Ka Doydoy,” the statement said, urging its members, allied organizations and supporters in the region to hold memorial services for the slain rebels.

“Ka Rida was one of the leading cadres of our region since the early 1980s,” the group said, describing Cagadas as a native of Bugo, Cagayan de Oro City, who had served as an organizer among youth, workers, urban poor and peasants before becoming a party cadre and NPA officer.

The CPP-NPA said Cagadas was known by different aliases in Misamis Oriental, Agusan del Norte and Bukidnon and was called “Manang” by allies and friends and “Lola” by younger members of the movement.

The Philippine Army, meanwhile, said government forces from the 403rd Infantry (Peacemaker) Brigade of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division had disrupted an attempt by NPA remnants from Northern Mindanao to establish a foothold in the Caraga region.

The Army said the operation began at around 5:30 a.m. when troops from the 1st Special Forces Battalion engaged the NPA Headquarters Force Neo of the NCMRC. The 8th Infantry Battalion later engaged the same group at around 12:20 p.m., followed by pursuit operations involving Special Forces teams.

The military said four NPA members were killed in the operation, including Cagadas. The three others were identified as Jonny Almonte Lindayo, alias Kikoy or Bugkoy; Rochamae Bihag, alias Maki; and Gerald Basahon, alias Doydoy.

Three other NPA members also surrendered, identified as Cherelyn Cuarisma Magsayo, alias Lian; Marilyn D. Taquin, alias Mayumi or Mayang; and Angelito Tahal Torres, alias Erin.

Troops also recovered six high-powered firearms, according to the Army.

Brig. Gen. Seigfred C. Tubalado, commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, said the operation demonstrated the brigade’s readiness and capability to prevent armed groups from returning to previously cleared areas.

Maj. Gen. Marion T. Angcao, commander of the 4th Infantry Division, meanwhile, reaffirmed the division’s commitment to protecting communities and preserving peace and security gains in Caraga.