Military says 4 alleged ranking officers of NPA killed in Bukidnon

MANILA, Philippines—Four alleged ranking officers of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in an encounter in Brgy. Tikalaan, Talakag, Bukidnon on Wednesday, the military reported on Thursday.

In a statement, Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) commander Lt. Gen. Greg T. Almerol said the government forces and the communist armed rebels figured in a two-hour firefight which led to the death of four alleged NPA officers identified as Carlisio Sumalinog, Jovilito Pontillas, Gary Juliana, and Jelly Sugnot.

Government troops also seized 16 high-powered firearms including seven M16 Rifles, an M203 Grenade Launcher, two R4 Carbines, an M653 Rifle, and three M1 Garand Rifles, an AK47 Rifle, M14 Rifle, assorted magazines, ammunition, and other items, according to the EastMinCom commander.

Almerol also said that the encounter ensued after they received information from concerned citizens on the presence of some 30 armed individuals consolidating the said area.

“This will put more pressure on the remaining forces of [NPA] to yield as they are currently headless. They cannot survive our series of focused military operations without someone to lead them,” Almerol said.

INQUIRER.net sought the reaction of Communist Party of the Philippines spokesperson Marco Valbuena for comment.

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