MANILA, Philippines—A high-ranking leader of the New People’s Army was killed Tuesday when the guerrillas attacked a Manobo chieftain’s house, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said Thursday.
Joseph Tajora Cainong, also known as Malik or Alas, was the Secretary of Guerilla Front 8.
The body of Cainong, a resident of Calaitan, Bayugan also in Agusan Del Sur, was identified by his father.
Cainong, the military said, was part of the 13 communist rebels killed in the firefight in Agusan del Sur with Manobo tribesmen and government troops who provided backup.
Cainong led around 70 members of the insurgents to attack the house of Manobo Datu Calpito Egua in Barangay (village) Santa Irene, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur on Tuesday.
Major General Ricardo Visaya, 4th Infantry Division Commander, on Tuesday said the NPA used all their forces in Surigao and Agusan del Sur in the attack.
“This is a proof that their armed group is diminishing in numbers,” Visaya said.
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