3 suspected NPA rebels killed in Surigao del Norte clashes — military
Three suspected New People's Army rebels were killed in a series of firefights with government security forces in Barangay Bugas-Bugas, Placer, Surigao del Norte, the military said Monday.
In a statement, the Philippine Army's 4th Ifantry Division said that among those killed were one Roderick Maco Bensing alias 'Rodel,' a top leader for the NPA in the Caraga region and a certain Liezl Dagohoy Mondejar, who died in the hospital due to critical injuries, and another unidentified person.
The operation was conducted by the joint forces of the 30th Infantry (Fight On) Battalion, 901st Infantry Brigade, and intelligence units under the 4th ID from June 13 to 15.
'Their (NPA combatants) failure highlights the resilience and commitment of the local communities and security forces in preserving peace and order in the area,' the military said.
Aside from the NPA fatalities, authorities also reported the capture of another suspected NPA member, Allan Cacatian alias 'Allen' and the surrender of NPA leader Ricky Per alias 'Rem.'
Rem also turned over a caliber .45 pistol and later led troops to an arms cache, resulting in the recovery of his M16 rifle, a rifle grenade, magazines, ammunition, bandoliers, and mobile phones.
Brigadier General Arsenio DC Sadural, brigade commander of the 901st Infantry Brigade, described the operation as a result of deliberate planning, precise execution, and strong coordination among military units.
'It sends a clear message to the remaining NPA members that the government's security forces are relentless and capable,' Sadural said. — Llanesca T. Panti/RSJ, GMA Integrated News
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
GMA Network
3 days ago
- GMA Network
3 suspected rebels killed in Leyte encounter
Items from rebels seized by the military during the Leyte encounter. (Photo from the Philippine Army) Three suspected communist rebels were killed in an encounter with government troops in Carigara, Leyte, the Philippine Army said Wednesday. The military identified the fatalities as Juanito Sellesa Jr. alias Tibor, alleged to be an executive member of Island Committee LEVOX of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee. The other two fatalities were identified as Eugene Paclita alias Dimple, said to be a squad leader, and Lito Delante alias Dodong, a member of the same squad of the said New People's Army unit. They were killed in the hinterlands of Barangay Cogon on June 18. The military also seized one M16 rifle with two long magazines, one caliber .45 pistol with two magazines, one hand grenade, personal belongings, and subversive documents. Tibor and his group were wanted for allegedly murdering Jesus Sarcilla alias Sosing in Barangay Binibihan, Carigara, Leyte on December 7, 2021. They are also facing charges for violating the International Humanitarian Law before the Commission on Human Rights Regional Office 8. 'Ang pagkaka neutralized sa tatlong ito lalong lalo na kay alias Tibor ay nagsilbing hustisya para sa pamilya ni Jesus Sarcilla na walang awang pinatay sa harap ng kanyang anak,' said Brigadier General Noel Vestuir, Philippine Army commander of the 802nd Infantry (Peerless) Brigade. (The neutralization of the three men serves as justice for the family of Jesus Sarcilla, who was mercilessly killed in front of his son.) 'Hindi man niya hinarap ang batas sa kanyang krimen, hinarap naman niya ang bangis ng mga sundalo na naghatid sa kanya sa kanyang huling hantungan,' he added. (Although he did not face the consequence for his crime, he did face the brutality of the soldiers who brought him to his death.) Meanwhile, Major General Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of the Philippine Army 8th Infantry Division, condemned the continued recruitment of communist rebel groups in Eastern Visayas. He also urged the public to keep supporting the government and deny any presence of insurgency in their area. 'There is nothing revolutionary in turning your future into tools of violence. To the insurgents, there is no honor in deceiving the people with your false ideals and promises while you selfishly use them as pawns in your senseless armed struggle,' Orio said. 'As the Commander of the 8th Infantry Division, I strongly condemn these atrocities, and I will not allow these insurgents to steal the opportunity of building a progressive Eastern Visayas,' he added. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/LDF, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
6 days ago
- GMA Network
3 suspected NPA rebels killed in Surigao del Norte clashes — military
Three suspected New People's Army rebels were killed in a series of firefights with government security forces in Barangay Bugas-Bugas, Placer, Surigao del Norte, the military said Monday. In a statement, the Philippine Army's 4th Ifantry Division said that among those killed were one Roderick Maco Bensing alias 'Rodel,' a top leader for the NPA in the Caraga region and a certain Liezl Dagohoy Mondejar, who died in the hospital due to critical injuries, and another unidentified person. The operation was conducted by the joint forces of the 30th Infantry (Fight On) Battalion, 901st Infantry Brigade, and intelligence units under the 4th ID from June 13 to 15. 'Their (NPA combatants) failure highlights the resilience and commitment of the local communities and security forces in preserving peace and order in the area,' the military said. Aside from the NPA fatalities, authorities also reported the capture of another suspected NPA member, Allan Cacatian alias 'Allen' and the surrender of NPA leader Ricky Per alias 'Rem.' Rem also turned over a caliber .45 pistol and later led troops to an arms cache, resulting in the recovery of his M16 rifle, a rifle grenade, magazines, ammunition, bandoliers, and mobile phones. Brigadier General Arsenio DC Sadural, brigade commander of the 901st Infantry Brigade, described the operation as a result of deliberate planning, precise execution, and strong coordination among military units. 'It sends a clear message to the remaining NPA members that the government's security forces are relentless and capable,' Sadural said. — Llanesca T. Panti/RSJ, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
08-06-2025
- GMA Network
Alleged NPA top leader nabbed in CDO
Government forces arrested an alleged high-ranking leader of the New People's Army (NPA) in Barangay Indahag, Cagayan de Oro City on Thursday, June 5, 2025. The military identified the suspect as Edward Flores, also known by his aliases Cess, Ruby, Rafa, and Ramon. According to reports, the suspect allegedly served as secretary general of the NPA's Far South Mindanao Region (FSMR), which operates under the jurisdiction of the 6th Infantry Division (6ID). 'Once a powerful figure, Flores' group has significantly weakened due to sustain decisive military operations that dismantled vertical platoon and neutralization of majority of its leaders and remaining members,' 6ID said. The military added that the suspect also allegedly held positions previously such as Regional Urban Committee secretary, secretary of the dismantled Guerilla Front Tala, and spokesperson of the FSMR. 'The arrest of Edward Flores marks another critical blow to the already crumbling structure of the communist insurgency within the area of responsibility of the 603rd Brigade. In fact, we have already filed multiple cases against him for acts of terrorism and for recruiting vulnerable youth into armed rebellion. His capture is a major setback to their ranks and operations,' 603rd Infantry Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Michael Santos, said. Among the charges faced by the suspect include murder filed in Tagum City, Davao del Norte; multiple attempted homicide filed in Surallah, South Cotabato; murder filed in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, and violation of the Anti-Terrorism Act. During the operation, authorities confiscated a Colt .45 pistol, a fragmentation grenade, and a smartphone from the suspect. "We will remain determined in our efforts to significantly reduce the capabilities of these terrorist criminals to harass innocent civilians. As the CTG continues to lose key leaders and more members, we will continue our pursuit until they are defeated. With the support of our civilian population and partner stakeholders under the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC), we will not rest until this decades-long problem is resolved," 6ID Commander, Major General Ronald Gumiran, said. —GMA Regional TV News
